New Eye Treatment Clinic Opens in Yeovil, Enhancing Patient Care

Patients in Yeovil now have access to vital eye treatments closer to home with the opening of a new clinic dedicated to managing serious eye conditions. The facility, launched by the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust on September 18, 2023, is located at the ophthalmology diagnostic centre in the town centre. It is set to treat up to 30 patients daily for conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema.

Previously, residents needing these treatments had to travel to Yeatman Hospital in Dorset or visit the outpatient department at Yeovil Hospital. The establishment of this new clinic represents a significant improvement in accessibility for local patients.

Bringing Care Closer to the Community

The new treatment suite aims to deliver care directly within the community, aligning with the government’s 10 Year Plan for the NHS. Anna Bateman, the ophthalmology lead nurse for the trust, expressed her enthusiasm about the opening. She noted, “It’s great news that we’re able to open this service, as patients will no longer need to visit Yeovil Hospital for this treatment.” The clinic caters to both new referrals and ongoing treatments, providing essential care to those experiencing symptoms of distorted vision.

Patients experiencing visual disturbances, such as seeing wiggly lines, may be referred by their optometrists or the diabetic screening team to the new clinic. This establishment aims to streamline the patient experience, making a significant impact on their quality of care.

Designed for Accessibility

The clinic is not only focused on treatment but also features a research study examining the likelihood of developing wet age-related macular degeneration in both eyes. Ms. Bateman highlighted the accessibility advantages of the new facility, stating, “The total footsteps are less than 100 for the new injection suite, which is a vast improvement on 600 steps from the car park to the outpatient eye clinic at Yeovil Hospital, and 1,200 steps at the Yeatman Hospital.”

Located in the former Monsoon store within the Quedam Centre, the clinic is designed with accessibility in mind. Collaborating with the Royal National Institute of Blind People, the diagnostic centre features clear signage, private vision testing lanes, and a compact design to facilitate navigation for those with visual impairments.

Mr. Paritosh Shah, a consultant ophthalmologist, praised the initiative, stating, “Having a dedicated space for eye injections will greatly improve patient experience and will also ready us for the inevitable future increase in the demand on this service.” He also acknowledged the contributions of the League of Friends of Yeovil Hospital, which helped fund essential equipment for the clinic.

Jackie Henderson, chair of the League of Friends, expressed her excitement about the project. “We’re really thrilled to be able to help the ophthalmology service with the purchase of equipment for treating wet macular degeneration,” she said, affirming the committee’s unanimous decision to support the initiative.

The new clinic not only enhances local healthcare provision but also sets a precedent for future developments in community-based healthcare services, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients in the area.