New ophthalmology clinics open at Congleton War Memorial Hospital

Thousands of patients are set to benefit from the launch of a new ophthalmology service at Congleton War Memorial Hospital.

Running as part of the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) development, the service, which launched at the start of July, will provide appointments for diagnosing and treating serious eye conditions, including glaucoma and macular degeneration, with the capacity to serve over 4,000 patients annually.

Principal Optometrist at East Cheshire NHS Trust, Graham Freeman said:

“The expansion of ophthalmology services to Congleton is a fantastic development for our patients.

“The increased capacity to diagnose and monitor the growing number of patients suffering from glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, and other chronic eye diseases will allow us to further improve the eye health of local people.”

After receiving a grant from NHS England community diagnostics programme fund last year, the new development will future-proof services and allow the Trust to provide localised diagnostics care where appropriate, reducing attendances and potentially admissions to an acute hospital setting.

The hospital, which is celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year, is now home to several diagnostic services including imaging and cardiorespiratory testing. 

The new Community Diagnostic Centre at Congleton is due to be fully open in April 2025. 

Pictured - One of the new Ophthalmology clinic rooms on the Congleton War Memorial Hospital site.