Alfred Health News
Ophthalmology at Sandringham looks to the future as unit turns one
After helping 960 patients with cataracts to see more clearly, Sandringham Hospital’s ophthalmology unit is celebrating its first birthday.
Operating theatre clinical nurse manager, Gaye Jack said that being able to offer this procedure has increased the hospital’s services and reduced travel times for many patients.
“Being able to come to a local community hospital for the procedure, instead of going into one of the bigger city hospitals really means a great deal to our local residents,” said Gaye.
“In the 1950s and 1960s a lot of people moved to Bayside, and many of those children in the post-war generation have stayed in the area. They are now in the age group where it becomes more common to need cataract surgery, so the timing for introducing the service couldn’t be better.
Cataract surgery is usually done with the patient awake, which has increased the team’s range of expertise and skills and added variety to their work.
“Our staff have really embraced the new service and enjoyed the increasing contact with patients,” said Gaye.
“We’re looking forward to continuing the service and making sure our patients have the best experience possible at Sandringham Hospital,” said Gaye.
The team celebrated the milestone with a morning tea, featuring a cake decorated as an eye. The service, which opened in January 2014, is available on Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays. A GP-referral is required.