Eye care experts: Laser Vision Scotland offers state-of-the-art treatments for cataracts and more

“For most people losing the eyesight is so gradual but when we restore it the impact is incredible.”

Eyesight gets worse over time – we all expect to see deterioration after 40 and to need several pairs of glasses by the time we retire

Advances in technology and effective treatments are changing this though, and according to Vision Scotland the time is not too far away when glasses might be a choice for some, rather than a necessity.

“We have had people who have worn glasses from the age of 11 and we give them a trifocal lens, which corrects all three visions – near, medium and short sight,” they explained. “We can have 80 year olds leaving treatment with the best vision they have had in their lives.”

Consultants Jonathan Ross and Sanjay Mantry, who run the practice, in Newbridge, Edinburgh, are ranked number one and number two as the busiest cataract surgeons in Scotland, according to analysis by PHIN – the Private Healthcare Information Network.

We don’t always notice our eyesight failing, it happens so gradually – but when the problem is corrected the impact is incredible

It’s not surprising when their years of experience mean they have the procedure down to such a fine art they can carry out a cataract procedure in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Regular eye tests will pick up on eye issues including cataracts –cloudy areas in the eye lens which affect our vision. Vision Scotland say most of their clients are referred from local optometrists or opticians.

The purpose-built state-of-the-art centre offers a number of other eye treatments too, including laser treatment to correct eyesight issues.

A small friendly team welcomes clients and takes time to explain all about the procedures and treatments to put patients at ease.

Scots clinic can restore vision in a matter of minutes

An initial diagnostic consultation will last about an hour, and the actual treatment could happen as soon as a week after that, as only as the client is happy to go ahead – they may need a little longer to think about it and that’s fine, nobody will be rushed.

Rather than be a replacement for the NHS Vision Scotland sees itself as a complementary service, helping alleviate pressure from NHS waiting lists by offering treatment directly to those who can afford to pay for it.

Vision Scotland has excellent relationships with local opticians and optometrists across this part of Scotland – not just through referrals but through its work giving back to the community and the industry.

It provides Scotland’s largest education programme running workshops, virtual training, lectures and training for qualifications to opticians. And it also fundraises every year by various bake sales and their main event - walking 48-miles of the West Highland Way in a day, so that it can offer free treatment to the most deserving clients nominated by opticians in the community. You can find out more about the fundraising here.

People are often nervous when it comes to their eyes –the thought of anything being put into them can be alarming! But your eye will be anaesthetised using simple drops – there’s no need for a needle. Once that’s done it will be numb and won’t feel a thing.

Recovery time from cataracts, which are just cloudy areas in the lens caused by degeneration of tissues and fibres, is quick too. Drivers can expect to be back behind the wheel in 48 to 72 hours.

More information

The clinic is at 6, Ratho Park, Station Road, Newbridge EH28 8QQ near the M8 and M9 beyond the airport. There is plenty of free parking and the purpose-built clinic is accessible, inviting and comfortable.

To find out more visit the website www.visionscotland.com