Ophthalmology and OMPs
Eye clinic sees more than 3,000 patients in first year and expands its services
Eye clinic sees more than 3,000 patients in first year and expands its services
A sight-saving eye clinic is celebrating its first anniversary by expanding its services to help even more people across Bradford and Huddersfield.
The Newmedica service at Park House in Cleckheaton has already seen 3,353 patients since opening its doors a year ago, and it is now offering treatment for glaucoma.
Anthony Yates, Operations Director at the clinic, said: “Celebrating our first year has been truly inspiring. The dedication shown by our team and the support from our patients has been central to our success. We look forward to building on this strong foundation and continuing to deliver outstanding care in the years to come.
“The introduction of glaucoma treatments will enable us to see even more patients and help the NHS with a bigger variety of eye conditions. The new treatments also represent an investment in training and upskilling our team, ensuring we treat glaucoma patients to the highest standard.”
Newmedica Bradford and Huddersfield Eye Health Clinic & Surgical Centre offers a range of ophthalmology treatments including YAG laser treatment, oculoplastic surgery and recently welcomed its 1,000th cataract surgery patient.
The clinic looks after NHS patients on behalf of the local integrated care board (ICB) as well as offering private services.
The clinic has two glaucoma specialists, Optometrist Dr Alexander Swystun and dedicated Consultant Mr Francesco Pillitteri.
Dr Swystun said: “We’re excited to begin offering specialist eye drops and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT as it’s known, for patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Daily eye drops are often a highly effective treatment for glaucoma, lowering eye pressure by helping fluid drain more easily or reducing fluid production, with regular check-ups to ensure long-term protection.
“SLT is a safe, pain-free laser procedure now recommended as a first-line treatment. It can reduce or eliminate the patient’s reliance on drops and has very few side effects. Published evidence has found SLT is a cost-effective long-term option, typically lasting a number of years before it may need to be repeated.”
Mr Pillitteri (l) added: “Looking ahead, we’ll be introducing Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) in the new year. Often performed alongside cataract surgery, reducing the requirement for multiple appointments, MIGS can for some patients eliminate the need to administer daily drops. All treatments will be available privately and on the NHS.”
Alongside treating thousands of local patients, the clinic has become an integral part of the community by supporting local existing optometrists with their ongoing development and helping to train the next generation of optometrists.
In the past year, the clinic has organised nine Continuing Professional Development courses for optometrists in the area and welcomed six pre-registration optometrists for placements.
In addition to Mr Pillitteri, Newmedica Bradford and Huddersfield is owned and run by consultant ophthalmologists Mr Ahmed Bardan, Mr Aidan Benson, Mr Nabil El-Hindy, and Mr Mohammed Mohyudin, alongside Operations Director Anthony Yates.
For further information about Newmedica Bradford and Huddersfield, visit www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/bradford-huddersfield.
