Eye care: Scotland’s busiest eye consultants have state-of-the-art cataract clinic here in Edinburgh
And it’s likely Scotland’s busiest cataract surgeons at Vision Scotland will be at the forefront of that change.
People can already often say goodbye to glasses thanks to advances in technology that mean cataracts can be cured in moments, and replacement lenses can improve sight in an instant.
A new purpose-built, state-of-the-art clinic at Ratho Park, Station Road, Newbridge, offers people throughout Edinburgh and beyond, eye care using the most modern equipment and techniques.
Consultants Jonathan Ross and Sanjay Mantry, who run the practice, are the number one and number two busiest cataract surgeons in Scotland, according to analysis by PHIN – the Private Healthcare Information Network.
Years of experience and the state-of-the-art technology means they have the skills down to a fine art, and can carry out a cataract procedure in about 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know what I need?
Regular eye tests will pick up on cataracts – they’re cloudy areas in the eye lens which affect our vision. Often we don’t notice the change in our eyesight as it happens gradually. But getting rid of the cataracts is straightforward and the benefits can be seen within hours.
Most of the patients coming to Vision Scotland are referred from their local optometrist or optician.
Vision Scotland can also carry out laser treatment to correct some eyesight issues – like short-sightedness – as long as the client and the the issue is suitable for this type of procedure. Again your local optician will initially be able to advise if it might work for you.
Does it hurt?
The process of removing cataracts is straight-forward and clients will feel nothing as the area is numbed. Most people are anxious when it comes to their eyes – and the thought of anything being put into them can be alarming!
But rest assured your eye will be anaesthetised using simple drops – not a needle in sight! Once that’s done it will be numb and won’t feel a thing.
It’s a small and friendly team at Vision Scotland, all the staff are passionate about what they do and understand that people might feel anxious.
Clients will have an initial consultation lasting about an hour where all the diagnostic tests are carried out everything fully explained. Unlike some NHS cataract procedures the lenses used to replace your damaged eye lens will be specifically made for you and your eyesight after rigorous tests and checks, rather than an “off the shelf” lens for your usual prescription.
After that the procedure will be scheduled to take place after another week or so – it gives clients time to consider all the options and a bit of breathing space to decide if it is something they want to go ahead with.
If you’re a driver you can expect to be behind the wheel again within 48 to 72 hours, so the recovery time is pretty quick – but the impact can be incredible.
“We have had people in their 80s who have worn glasses since they were children, who find they don’t need them anymore,” said Vision Scotland.
Giving back to the community
Vision Scotland is proud of its strong relationship with optometrists in Edinburgh and the wider community.
It provides Scotland’s largest education programme running workshops, virtual training, lectures and training for qualifications to opticians.
Vision Scotland also fundraises so that it can offer free treatment to the most deserving clients nominated by opticians in the community.
It means if someone is in desperate need of these life-changing treatments but does not have the means to pay privately then they could still be seen at the clinic. Both Mr Ross and Mr Mantry give their time and skills free and the money collected through fundraising covers any equipment costs. You can find out more about the fundraising here.
Why not use the NHS?
NHS waiting lists can mean you may have to wait longer than you would like for similar treatments. Vision Scotland explain their clinic helps alleviate some of the pressure from the NHS, allowing those who can afford to pay for treatment to leave their NHS place to someone who cannot, and it helps keep waiting lists down. They say it is complementary and not a replacement for what the NHS does.
Where is the clinic?
The clinic is at 6, Ratho Park, Station Road, Newbridge EH28 8QQ near the M8 and M9 beyond the airport. There is plenty of free parking and the purpose-built clinic is accessible, inviting and comfortable.
To find out more visit the website www.visionscotland.com