SpaMedica launches glaucoma referral service in the UK

Image credit: SpaMedica

Independent provider of NHS cataract surgery SpaMedica, based in the UK, is launching a glaucoma service across its network of specialist eye hospitals.¹ NHS patients who receive care at SpaMedica Sale, SpaMedica Manchester, SpaMedica Worcester, SpaMedica Chester, and SpaMedica Haydock, will benefit from reduced waiting times for glaucoma assessments, monitoring, and treatment, according to a news release.

“It’s vital that NHS patients are able to access care when they need it and we know that, for conditions like glaucoma, time is of the essence and regular monitoring is essential,” said Claire Wood, clinical lead optometrist for glaucoma at SpaMedica, in the release. “That’s why we’re proud to be working in close partnership with the NHS and community optometrists to ensure patients receive high-quality care, as quickly as possible.

“Our glaucoma service will be an all-in-one solution for many patients with primary open angle glaucoma – offering diagnostics, a variety of treatment options, and regular check-ups. We plan to bring the service to more hospitals soon and hope to see a significant improvement in the accessibility of glaucoma services across England as a result.”

SpaMedica’s Sale and Manchester locations will be accepting referrals for patients living in Great Manchester, the Worcester location for patients in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, and Chester and Haydock locations for patients in Cheshire and Merseyside. SpaMedica stated that it will follow treatment pathways recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, including selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a first-line treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) when appropriate. Patients will also remain under regular review once their condition is stable.¹

Much like the US, the UK is expecting an increase in patients living with glaucoma within the next decade and beyond, with a concern about having sufficient resources to meet the increase in demand.² Currently, around of 20% of outpatient appointments in hospital eye services are glaucoma cases.³ A 2023 survey of UK optometrists reported that 72% stated that they had seen a patient who experienced a delay to treatment of 12 months or more, with nearly half having concerns about patients losing their sight.⁴

SpaMedica will be holding a series of free CPD session for community optometrists to mark the launch of the service. The first was held on March 19, with upcoming events being held on April 2, 10 and 15, 2025. The upcoming April 2 event, along with the remaining events for the series, can be found on Eventbrite’s website.¹

References:

1. SpaMedica launches glaucoma service. News release. SpaMedica. March 11, 2025. Accessed March 24, 2025.

2. The state of the UK’s eye health 2021. Specsavers. March 24, 2025. https://content.specsavers.com/state-of-the-nation/FINAL_Digital_The+state+of+the+UK%E2%80%99s+Eye+Health+2021.pdf

3. Glaucoma UK urges people to get their eyes tested amidst sharp rise in glaucoma cases. News release. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists. June 15, 2022. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/news-views/glaucoma-uk-urges-people-to-get-their-eyes-tested-amidst-sharp-rise-in-glaucoma-cases/

4. Hall R. Hundreds left with lost or damaged eyesight after NHS delays – research. The Guardian. March 21, 2023. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/21/hundreds-left-with-lost-or-damaged-eyesight-after-nhs-delays-research