Free Transport for all NHS Patients

Most of our cataract patients rely on their family, friends or neighbours to drive them to and from their appointments – or arrange taxis if they live close by – but we know that sometimes this isn’t always possible, and we’re delighted to offer a free door-to-door patient transport service for those who need it, based on your location and other criteria.

Our dedicated team of patient drivers have lots of experience when it comes to putting patients at ease and you can rest-assured you’ll be in safe hands and enjoy a smooth journey!

Our transport service is designed with you in mind. Our expert drivers know how to make you feel at home and will ensure you have a smooth journey. You can even bring a loved one or carer with you on the minibus.

Woman sits on chair in Optegra treatment room

Supporting you on your journey

When you receive your appointment letter, it will include details of how to invoice Optegra. You will need to provide your pick-up and drop-off times before the evening of your appointment of your confirm arrangements.

After your cataract treatment, your driver will likely collect you from our reception area to take you back home, where you can focus on a quick recovery

Free Transport Criteria

To book, you’ll first need to check the eligibility criteria below, and then ask for the service when you book your appointment with us. 1 person may accompany you in the vehicle. The journey will only take place between your home post code and the hospital / appointment location.

To be eligible for the free transport service you must

Be attending Optegra for an appointment, or to receive treatment, for cataract surgery as an NHS patient
Have no alternative means of getting to your appointment or treatment, through family, friend, hospital transport, community transport or public transport
Post code needs to be to the closest Optegra hospital
Be able to get yourself to and from, and in and out, of the supplied vehicle without assistance, or you’re able to provide a carer or family member on the day of the transfer to support you getting to and from, and in and out, of the supplied vehicle
Have significant motility/mobility impairment requiring specialised or adapted vehicles

We’ll not be able to provide you with transport if any of the following apply:

You need to be transported to a location (including other hospitals) other than Optegra or your home

You require specialised equipment during the journey

You need to be closely monitored during the journey

You have a medical condition or have undergone major surgery where the potential side effects are likely to require assistance or monitoring during your journey

The private hire company is unable to provide a vehicle due to a lack of available/suitable vehicles.

Where Is Free Transport Currently Available?

We have free transport for all NHS patients at the following locations:

Birmingham
Leicester
Manchester
Newcastle

Mr Amir Hamid

Optegra Chief Medical Officer & Ophthalmic Consultant

Across our nine UK hospitals and clinics which offer NHS treatment, we are delighted to have so vastly increased the number of patients seen over the past year. Optegra has the benefit of working with well-respected and highly skilled surgeons, who not only provide the very best treatment and outcomes to our patients, but who are also willing to share their expertise with colleagues across the industry.

Our NHS Clinic Locations & Consultants

Optegra delivers high quality NHS services at several nationwide locations. Across all our UK hospitals we have specialist ophthalmic consultant surgeons who are amongst the best in the world: highly recognised in their field and completely committed to providing our patients with first-class treatments. They are all Fellows of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and on the GMC Specialist Register for Ophthalmology.

Our consultants have many years ophthalmic experience and have undertaken thousands of eye procedures. All our surgeons are regulated and approved by Optegra’s Medical Director and Medical Advisory Committee.

Each hospital’s extensive clinical and administrative teams, as well as dedicated facilities and housekeeping colleagues, are further supported by a strong regional leadership team. This includes a General Manager, Regional Head of Operations and Regional Head of Clinical Services, all working together to ensure a safe, caring and efficient pathway for patients.

Each hospital location also has a Regional Services Manager and team of Service Promotion Executives who provide vital links to the optometry community and GPs to ensure their needs and expectations are managed through a partnership referral process and streamlined patient choice referrals. Internationally Optegra runs 35 specialist eye clinics and hospitals.

All Optegra locations have a CQC rating ‘good’.

Optegra NHS Clinic Locations

Our Hospitals & Clinics

Safety culture

Patient safety is a key driver for everything we do at Optegra. Systems and processes have been developed with patient safety in mind. One of our core values, ‘We are safe’, is based on ensuring patient safety is our top priority.

During 2022/23 our covid task force continued to adapt advice and measures to keep patients and staff safe in line with NHS guidance.

Optegra uses the RADAR software platform to support the improvement of safety, performance and quality of care. It is used for reporting incidents, capturing patient feedback, audit and risk management. In depth analytics allows Optegra to spot trends, assign and create actions, so that lessons can be learned, best practice shared and this supports a culture of continuous improvement.

Patient experience

As part of an update to our internal administration system, 22/23 saw the development of our new Patient Portal. This new system has been well received and is designed to improve our patients’ experience by allowing them to easily:

Check the time and date of upcoming appointments
Review letters and emails from Optegra
Complete registration forms
Complete Patient Recorded Outcome Measures (PROMS), Friends & Family and Satisfaction Surveys