Plymouth’s new high-tech eye health clinic is helping the NHS

Dame Mary Perkins, Specsavers co-founder, and Plymouth Deputy Mayor Cllr Chris Penberthy were among invited guests at a grand opening of the city’s Newmedica eye clinic.

Visitors at the ribbon-cutting event heard that staff at the state-of-the-art Derriford centre were already working alongside the NHS to assist with its waiting lists.

Dame Mary Perkins, who cut the ribbon at the prestigious event, said: ‘The NHS is under huge pressure, so this clinic is helping. The aim is to improve people’s lives through better eye health.

‘Eye health is so important. If your eyesight is deteriorating, you can’t drive your car, read a book or watch the television. No-one wants to lose the ability to do those things, which is why this clinic has opened.

‘Of course, having someone operating on your eyes can be frightening, but the whole team looks after patients and makes them feel at home by treating them like a member of their own family, which helps to take away any fears.’

The Forder House clinic, which has created 24 local jobs, opened its doors last month to begin helping patients.

It provides NHS and private treatment for cataract surgery and aftercare, and also offers YAG laser treatment (a treatment used after cataract surgery). There are plans to offer additional services in the future.

Cllr Penberthy said: ‘My mum and some friends have had cataract operations, so I know the huge difference it can make to people’s lives.

‘Here, we have a locally led state-of-the-art solution to people’s cataract problems, and I’m all in favour of local solutions, so I thank you for the significant difference you will make to many, many people’s lives in the future.’

Newmedica Plymouth is run by a team of five local partners – operational director Amanda Worley, and consultant ophthalmologists Mr Tom Cudrnak, Mr Nick Edmeades, Mr Vasant Raman and Miss Theodora Stavropoulou.

Mr Nick Edmeades told invited guests at the grand opening: ‘This is an exciting day for us. We want to alleviate the backlog of people needing a cataract operation. We’ve got the latest technology, we have fantastic staff, and we want to bring the best possible service to our patients.

‘We’re all local – local doctors and local staff – so we’re here for the long run, pushing ahead with our plan to provide the highest levels of eye care in the region.’

The Forder House clinic is the latest venture from independent health provider Newmedica, and has free onsite parking with charging points for electric vehicles, alongside public transport links.

To find out more, visit https://www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/plymouth, email plymouth@newmedica.co.uk or call 01752 421622.