A pioneering new ophthalmic diagnostic and treatment centre – the first of its kind in the UK – has officially opened in Hereford.
TV personality and antiques expert Kate Bliss, known for her appearances on Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, cut the ribbon at the launch event before hosting the ‘Valuation Station’ – a pop-up antique appraisal activity that drew local residents eager to have their treasures by Kate’s expert eye.
Queues quickly formed as people brought in a fascinating range of items for valuation – including jewellery, a ceremonial sword, a clock, and a striking military robe. The activity sparked conversations about both heritage and healthcare, offering a fun and meaningful way to engage the community in the importance of eye health.
Kate Bliss said: “It was such a joy to be part of the event – the atmosphere was fantastic, and it was lovely to see so many people from the local community getting involved. I had great fun chatting to visitors and hearing the stories behind the incredible items they brought along. I love Herefordshire – it’s my home, and we’re a rural county where many people struggle to access healthcare easily. The new SpaMedica centre is a fantastic clinic that will make a real difference. Shorter waiting times, free transport for those who need it – it’s going to change lives.”
The launch also featured ice cream, pick ‘n’ mix, deckchairs, and a spin-the-wheel prize game, as SpaMedica introduced the community to its state-of-the-art mobile centre. The facility delivers NHS ophthalmology diagnostics and treatment for conditions such as cataracts and posterior capsule opacification, with wait times as short as four weeks.
Tom Fellows, SpaMedica’s Head of Policy and Value Proposition gave tours of the new space: “This centre represents a major step forward in improving access to timely eye care. One local resident told me they’d been waiting nearly 12 months for cataract surgery – and couldn’t believe they could now be treated locally in just a few weeks. Our mission is to work in partnership with the NHS to reduce the barriers patients face in getting the treatment they need – whether that’s location, waiting times, or ease of referral.”
Later in the day, SpaMedica welcomed local optometrists and optical professionals for an exclusive open evening and guided tour, showcasing the diagnostics and surgical services now available to patients in Hereford and the surrounding areas.
The 3,200-square-foot relocatable unit is SpaMedica’s latest innovation in community-based healthcare delivery. As one of the UK’s leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services, the company is supporting national efforts to bring care closer to home and ease pressure on hospital services.
Located next to Hereford’s Asda supercentre on Belmont Road, the centre’s proximity for local shoppers makes it easily accessible – a benefit recognised by Faye Breckons, Head of Healthcare Services at Asda.
“We believe that affordable healthcare should be easily accessible for everyone, that’s why along with our own healthcare offering, we are pleased to partner with third party providers such as SpaMedica to provide the opportunity for patients to see specialists in their communities alongside their regular visit to Asda Hereford,” she explained.
Referrals are now available via local opticians and GPs, and SpaMedica also offers a free transport service for patients needing assistance attending appointments – helping ensure no one misses out on essential eye care.
