Patients who have cataracts are set to benefit from a new one-stop clinic that will reduce the need for multiple hospital visits ahead of surgery.

The official opening of the new facility at Ashfield Health Village, Kirkby, was attended by trustees from the League of Friends (Mansfield and Sutton), which donated £58,844 to buy specialist equipment.

This includes a state-of-the-art instrument that accurately measures the eye in a non-invasive way, an ultrasound scanner, and a special microscope with a bright light attached.

At the clinic, which will also help to reduce overall waiting times for surgery, patients can see their consultant, have tests, and get dates for both their pre-op appointment and their operation.

Patients can be referred to the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust service via their optometrist or GP. Operations will continue to take place at either King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, or Newark Hospital.

The cataract clinic joins the ophthalmology community diagnostic centre already at Ashfield Health Village, which assesses patients who have conditions such as glaucoma, macular degenerative disease, and diabetes.

Chloe Ward, operations manager for ophthalmology, said: “The one-stop cataract clinic will be a huge benefit to patients, who will experience a quicker, smoother process, and means we can potentially see more patients.

“We’re grateful to the League of Friends for providing equipment that will ensure patients receive gold standard care and a date for surgery on a first visit for cataract referral.”

The chairman of the League of Friends, John Allin, added: “It is our pleasure to fund this equipment, which not many hospitals have.”

The funding also provided equipment for the trust’s paediatric orthoptist service.

The charity, which was established more than 70 years ago, raises funds for King’s Mill, Mansfield Community Hospital, and Blossomwood (formerly Millbrook Mental Health Unit) through three charity shops and the work of volunteers. It donates funds to buy a Christmas gift for all inpatients who are in hospital on Christmas Day.

Pictured are members of the League of Friends (Mansfield and Sutton) with some of the cataract clinic team, and community involvement manager Jo Thornley (back row, second left), and director of Corporate Affairs Sally Brook Shanahan (back row, sixth right).