Since it was established in 2008, Optegra has grown to become a Europe-wide organisation focused on delivering outstanding patient care and outcomes in the ophthalmic field. This is underpinned by our values, and our commitment not only to our patients but also to our colleagues.
I am proud that the Optegra of 2024 is a fast paced, innovative, collaborative, and patient centred business that consistently delivers the best outcomes within our sector. Having worked in the healthcare sector for over 25 years I have seen constant change, but at the same time sometimes if can feel as if everything stays the same.
On 5th July 2024 the Health Secretary, the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP said, ‘From today, the policy of this department is that the NHS is broken’. A powerful statement that has the potential to not just deliver change, but the radical transformation needed. We all have a duty to contribute to this. We have become used to high wait times and complicated referral routes. Some people can navigate around this by opting out of the National Health Service and it is important that this route remains available. However for many people being able to access vitally important care, such as cataract surgery, is simply not available at the speed and convenience it should be.
I believe people across the UK have the need, and the appetite, for the National Health Service and the private sector to work in a collaborative way. Of course, there are many ways in which this happens already, however we need to challenge ourselves to make sure this becomes the strategic way forward over the next decade.
For me, this starts with an honest and open debate with the simple aim of doing what is right for our patients and community. We cannot change the health sector on our own, but collectively our ability to impact change should be limitless. Our partnership with the Patients First Coalition represents our commitment to do everything in our power to make healthcare within our sector more accessible to people who need it, and this includes challenging and collaborating with all stakeholders to make this happen.
Mat Pickering, Managing Director of Optegra
