From April 1st 2025, the South Yorkshire ICB are reintroducing cataract scoring for patients being referred for cataracts, who have a Sheffield GP.
It is the LOC’s opinion, along with the LOC Support Unit, that this constitutes referral refinement, and should be funded, as it is in all other areas that use this system. The ICB are not prepared to fund this, and will not enter discussions with the LOC.
We at the LOC urge all practitioners NOT to complete any score assessment for patients with a Sheffield GP, until funding is agreed. We feel a united stance on this is essential. Should practices use the score assessment it will significantly weaken our position, and may jeopardise similar schemes across the country.
The providers will carry out the score assessment themselves. Note that if your patient would have a vision score of less than 2 (6/9 both eyes or 6/12 worst eye) they will NOT be eligible for surgery.
South Yorkshire ICB cataract scoring form
The patient should be offered provider choice, and referred directly to their chosen provider via NHS mail. This applies to both cataracts and YAG laser. Referrals sent to the Single Point of Access may be returned.
NOTE This applies purely to patients who are registered with a Sheffield GP. Other areas may have a similar system, which is funded. Please continue to use the agreed local protocols where this is the case.
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There are several Sheffield based cataract providers. Below is a brief summary:
Northern General Eye Care Centre (NGEC)
Waiting times from referral to first appointment – 2 – 4 weeks
Waiting times from first appointment to surgery – 4 weeks
They say: “The Northern General Eye Centre (NGEC) is a £6.7m purpose built Cataract facility run by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It opened in 2019 and is run by experienced NHS Consultant Surgeons who have extensive experience of Cataract surgery as well as all other Ophthalmic areas such as Glaucoma, Corneal, Oculoplastics, and Vitreoretinal. NGEC prides itself on taking all patients with any complexities and comorbidities and also offers the following services that are unique to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals;
- Immediate Sequential Bilateral cataract surgery
- Cataract Surgery under General Anaesthetic at the nearby Royal Hallamshire Hospital
- High quality equipment such as the IOLMaster 700, Pentacam HR and Spectralis OCT”
Refer via NHS mail to sth.ngec_cataract@nhs.net
CHEC (Tinsley)
Waiting times from referral to first appointment –1-2 weeks
Waiting times from first appointment to surgery – 12 weeks, as per updated ICB directive
CHEC Sheffield provides cataract assessment and treatment for patients whose cataracts require removal through NHS-funded care.
At CHEC we may be able to offer Home to Hospital™ patient transport, providing pick-up and return transport between your home and the clinic. This service is available to patients who meet the eligibility criteria and is subject to the availability of our drivers. Patients who qualify will be transported by a dedicated, friendly and fully trained driver in a comfortable, air-conditioned and easily accessible vehicle.
Refer via NHS mail to c.hec@nhs.net
New Medica (Barlborough)
Waiting times from referral to first appointment – 1 week
Waiting times from first appointment to surgery – 12 weeks as per the ICB guidance.
They say: “Our personalised patient care makes patients feel comfortable and at ease. We’ll give patients a warm welcome, hold their hand if their nervous and be there for them throughout their time with us.
We choose to use the highest-quality lenses which means you’ll get the best clinical outcomes.
State-of-the-art facilities with the latest equipment, and free parking ensure you can focus on you when you come to visit us.
Door to door taxi service for patients that need it.”
Refer via NHS mail to newmedica.referrals@nhs.net
Optegra (Carbrook)
Waiting times from referral to first appointment – 1-2 weeks
Waiting times from first appointment to surgery – 11-12 weeks as per the ICB guidance.
They say: “Optegra is one of the leading providers for NHS cataracts and YAG capsulotomy, using only the best resident Surgeons. We use the best quality Johnson & Johnson lens to ensure you have the highest quality of vision for life in all lighting conditions. We will ensure you have both eyes operated on faster than any other provider with exceptional care.
We are also the first to offer drop free cataract surgery, eliminating the inconvenience of an often extensive aftercare regime lasting 4 weeks or more.
Private options are also available.”
Refer via NHS mail to optegra.referrals1@nhs.net
Practice Plus (Barlborough)
Waiting times from referral to first appointment – 2-4 weeks
Waiting times from first appointment to surgery – 4-6 weeks
They say: “At Barlborough Hospital we provide high quality healthcare with short waiting times for both NHS and private patients. Our hospital base means we can deliver consultant led care to accommodate ophthalmology patients requiring general anaesthetic or sedation for cataract surgery. Located minutes from junction 30 of the M1, we are easily accessible with free parking and on-site café.”
Refer via NHS mail to practiceplusgrp.barlboroughophthalrefs@nhs.net
SpaMedica (Chapeltown)
Waiting times from referral to first appointment – 2 weeks
Waiting times from first appointment to surgery – 8 weeks
They say: “SpaMedica are the largest provider of Cataract and YAG Capsulotomy in the NHS. With over 18,000 5 star reviews and 16 years of experience giving excellent patient care. Offering free transport with employed, trained drivers. 24/7/365 helpline, 13 rated Outstanding by the CQC and all others rated good. With visual outcomes 98% 6/12 or better.”
Refer via NHS mail to spamedica.referrals@nhs.net