Cataract surgery accounts for half of all surgical activity at Bristol Eye Hospital (BEH), with around 4,500 procedures taking place every year, half of which are patients aged 75 and over.

The results of surgery are life changing. The improved vision that comes with surgery can lead to better mental and physical wellbeing and improved quality of life.

 

Improvements to the unit

Thanks to generous donations, we’ve made a number of improvements to the preoperative assessment service at BEH. 

This includes…

NEW UPDATED EQUIPMENT so that it automatically feeds test results into the recording system 

INCREASING THE NUMBER OF EQUIPMENT so 50% more patients can be seen per clinic to help reduce the backlog on waiting lists.

REMODELLING THE CLINICAL SPACE to reduce unnecessary movement and queuing for patients while making it safer and more accessible. 

  

THE DIFFERENCE YOUR SUPPORT HAS MADE

These improvements that you have helped fund will make the cataract service a more efficient and positive experience for thousands of patients every year.

It will...

Reduce waiting times in the cataract unit. The new equipment allows the team to see up to 17 patients per clinic instead of the eight they were seeing previously - that's over 50% more patients that will be able to be seen per clinic.

Help the clinic to reduce their backlog of patients on waiting lists. There is currently a backlog of 600 cataract patients so the plan is to increase the clinics from three to five per week for a short period, in order to clear that backlog within three months.

Be an easier, safer patient journey as there is no need for patients to move between floors or departments, which is particularly important for elderly patients.

Reduce the number of hospital visits for patients as the clinical space is now more efficient.

 

Staff feedback

Mr Johannes Keller, Consultant Eye Surgeon at BEH, said:

This is a complete transformation of our current ways of working, with patients at the centre of this improvement.

“The clinical space is now seamless clinic and ensures an easier, safer patient journey, reducing a patient’s number of hospital visits and waiting times by half.

“This smoother experience of the day surgery also means there will be no need for patients to move between floors or departments, which is particularly important for elderly patients. 

“These innovations will not only allow BEH to cope with the ever-increasing demand for cataract surgery, but ensure quality outcomes and a safer, more positive experience for patients.”

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Help us fund more life-changing improvements at our hospitals like this one by making a donation today. 

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