Cataract surgery at Bristol Eye Hospital

Cataract surgery accounts for half of all surgical activity at Bristol Eye Hospital, 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.

The need

For patients needing cataract surgery, they must first attend the preoperative assessment service at BEH.

This service has long periods of waiting, numerous hospital visits, and patients are required to move rooms at least six times, and floors three times, to reach different healthcare staff and equipment. Pictured is the current environment.

Demand for cataract surgery is predicted to rise by 25 per cent by 2025, making it harder and harder for the services to keep up with patient need. 

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The solution

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

Our vision is for the complete transformation of our current ways of working, with patients at the centre of this improvement.

A crucial element of this project will be the remodelling of the clinical space to create one seamless clinic and ensure an easier, safer patient journey. This will reduce 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. 

As part of this transformation, we want to purchase the latest cataract assessment technology. This improved technology would ultimately increase the number of operations BEH can deliver.

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.