On 22 September 2025, Optegra Eye Clinic York welcomed Luke Charters, MP for York Outer, for a special visit celebrating a major milestone – the delivery of over 5,000 NHS cataract surgeries since opening in September 2023.
The visit gave Mr Charters a first-hand look at the clinic’s advanced facilities and the life-changing impact its services are having on York residents. As cataracts affect approximately one in three people over the age of 65, timely access to surgery can significantly improve quality of life.
Reducing NHS Waiting Times with Local, High-Quality Care
Optegra Eye Clinic York works in partnership with the NHS to deliver cataract surgery within just a few weeks of referral, which is a stark contrast to the extended waits often seen elsewhere. This partnership has played a key role in easing pressure on local hospitals and ensuring that patients receive timely, specialist care closer to home.
Luke Charters praised the work of the clinic and its collaboration with the NHS, observing that “Their life-changing services have made a real difference to countless people across York, including members of my own family. The investment Optegra has made in York is clearly making a difference for NHS patients in the local area.”
Patients interested in accessing care locally can learn more about the Optegra Eye Clinic in York, which offers a welcoming, modern setting for treatment.
Launching Drop-Free Cataract Surgery for NHS Patients
The visit also coincided with the launch of a new innovation at the clinic – drop-free cataract surgery. At Optegra, we are currently the only provider in the UK to offer this drop-free treatment on the NHS. Instead of applying several types of eye drops for weeks post-surgery, NHS patients at Optegra now receive medication during the procedure, to help the eye heal. This removes the need for self-administered drops, streamlining the recovery process and improving patient experience.
A Commitment to Patient-Centred Care
During his tour, Mr Charters met with clinical staff, patients undergoing treatment, and members of the leadership team, including Director of Clinical Services Chris Chisholm and NHS Commissioning Director Melanie Andrew.
Melanie Andrew acknowledged that the collaboration between Optegra and the NHS was vital in alleviating “the growing pressures on NHS referrals” and stressed “the importance of prioritising patient care.” She added “We’re proud to be a reliable partner helping to reduce unnecessary delays.”
Clinic Manager Narin French commented that “Cataract surgery is quick, pain-free, and life-enhancing. Our patients often tell us they feel as though they’re seeing the world in HD. To be referred here, they simply need to ask their GP or optometrist.”
A Trusted NHS Partner Across the UK
Optegra Eye Health Care has successfully delivered more than one million eye procedures across its 78 UK and European hospitals. Every year, the group performs over 170,000 NHS and private treatments, from cataract surgery to vision correction and advanced lens replacement.
At Optegra, we continue to offer both NHS and private eye surgery options including enhanced lenses, but our core mission remains the same: to restore vision and reduce waiting times for those who need it most.
For NHS treatment, simply request a referral to Optegra from your optician or GP. For prviate, vision correction, book a free, no obligation consultation with one of our expert consultants today.
By Author: Shafiq Rehman
Mr Rehman is a highly acclaimed ophthalmologist with 27 years of experience.
Medically Reviewed Date: 1st October 2025
