New eye-care services

The Rochdale Ophthalmology Service has introduced two new eye-care services to local people.

Rochdale Ophthalmology Service is run on behalf of the local NHS by independent healthcare provider, Care UK. It offers a number of treatments to NHS patients across the region, including a glaucoma service, pre-operative assessments and a minor operation service for numerous eye conditions including cataract surgery, oculo plastic surgery and a laser service.

Now, it is adding a fast-track service for people diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a surgical service for people with retinal disease. Consultant lead for Rochdale Ophthalmology Service, Karen Goodall, said the AMD service is up and running, while the retinal surgical service should be commencing within the next few weeks.

“As with our existing services, these two new services will be characterised by the quality of the care provided but also the speed and efficiency of the service. People with AMD can be referred to our service by their GP or optometrist and we will aim to see people within 48 hours of that referral. Patients referred to us needing retinal surgery will be seen by us within four weeks and surgery should be within two months.

“AMD mostly affects the over-55s and becomes more common in the over-70s. It affects a tiny part of the retina at the back of your eye, which is called the macula. AMD causes problems with your central vision but does not lead to total loss of sight and is not painful. If caught early it is very treatable,” said Ms Goodall, who, prior to joining Care UK, was a consultant at the Royal Oldham Hospital for 14 years.

Ms Goodall added: “October 9 is World Sight Day, co-ordinated by the World Health Organisation and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) so we are delighted to be announcing these two new services at such an appropriate time when people’s focus will be on improving eye health.”