The Edinburgh Clinic opens the east coast’s first private eye surgery facility

The first private Vitreo-retinal (VR) surgery facility in the East of Scotland has opened at The Edinburgh Clinic.

Following a significant investment, the private healthcare and surgical facility now offers patients fast, expert treatment for a range of eye-related conditions, delivered by its team of skilled surgical consultants.

VR surgery is a primary treatment for common eye conditions such as retinal detachments, macular holes and diabetic eye disease – one of the main causes of decreased vision in the working population. It can also be performed to treat complicated cataracts which, in normal circumstances, cannot be routinely treated. 

With trends showing a growing rise in demand for this type of treatment, The Edinburgh Clinic offers patients an affordable alternative.

Recent NHS statistics¹ show that in 2016/17 2.2 million eye examinations were performed by optometrists working in Scottish local communities, the highest level in ten years. However, despite Scotland having a high level of community optometrists available, there still appears to be a general lack of awareness of eye-related health and how this can impact on people’s lives as they get older.

The state-of-the-art equipment now available at the Clinic means surgeons have a fully equipped facility allowing for all elements of treatment to be carried out, from diagnosis to aftercare and recovery. Procedures at The Edinburgh Clinic are carried out by two consultant ophthalmic surgeons, Dr Jas Singh and Dr Harry Bennett.

Dr Singh, one of Scotland’s most prominent VR surgeons, said: “As a nation we sometimes take our eyes for granted. Many people may not be aware of the risks of developing sight issues and are ignoring signs that something is wrong.

“With the ageing population only going to increase, it’s more important than ever that we take care of our eyes and address any symptoms. Nowhere else in the East of Scotland offers this type of surgery which can make a huge difference to people’s lives, no matter their age. The Edinburgh Clinic is fully equipped with the most advanced technology available meaning treatment success levels are higher than ever.”

Alasdair Muir, clinic manager, said: “This new facility ultimately offers our patients the very best choice. We are the first private health clinic in the East of Scotland to offer VR surgery which means people from the Lothians, Fife, Central Belt and Borders are now within easy reach of top quality eye care and treatment.

“Prevention and diagnosis are key so if you feel like something just isn’t quite right, it’s important you go and see your optician. A simple referral from your optician or a self-referral straight to the Clinic can mean the difference between diagnosis and treatment within a matter of days.”