SpaMedica opens relocatable diagnostic and treatment center in Hereford, England

The SpaMedica team celebrating its first PAC appointment at the Hereford site. Image credit: SpaMedica

SpaMedica has unveiled a new relocatable ophthalmic diagnostic and treatment center in Hereford, England, that will work to improve access to high-quality eye care for local patients.¹ The 3200 square-foot unit offers diagnostics, cataract surgery, YAG laser capsulotomy, and post op care, which is anticipated to reduce long wait times and remove travel barriers for the estimated 21,000 patients that live in the area that have been diagnosed with common eye conditions, according to a news release.

“Advancing eye care and making ophthalmology treatments available in a timely and convenient way is at the heart of this investment,” said Richard Woodward, SpaMedica CEO, in the release. “We believe accessibility is crucial and that patients should be able to receive care within 30 minutes of their location. It’s also important that optometrists have peace of mind that they can refer their patients to SpaMedica and know that we’re close by, the referral process is quick, and the care will be high-quality, with great outcomes. Our aim with this UK-first center is to bring together diagnostics and surgery under one roof, in a solution that is scalable and truly fit for purpose.”

SpaMedica stated that the facility being relocatable refers to its ability to “be rapidly deployed to meet demand for accessible vision care within local communities as needed.” This approach allows the company to reduce costs and create a more flexible business model that permanent hospital builds do not allow. Additionally, SpaMedica offers a free door-to-door transport service for those who require specialized transportation from their home.¹

Patients that will be referred to the Hereford location by their optometrist or general practitioner are expected to be treated in 4 weeks, significantly cutting down wait time in comparison to the national NHS target of 18 weeks in England.¹

“With over a quarter of Herefordshire residents aged over 65, accessible eye care is crucial,” said Jonathan Barnes, integration operations manager at Hereford, in the release. “This mobile center removes barriers to care by bringing services directly into the heart of the community. Our goal is to ensure patients can receive essential treatments close to home, minimizing disruption and maximizing convenience.¹

“We’ve decided to locate this center beside the ASDA superstore because it’s a convenient and recognizable spot for many local people,” Barnes added in the release. “Plus, many patients are brought to an appointment by a friend or relative, so they’ll be able to do a weekly shop while they’re waiting. We’re really looking forward to welcoming our very first patients and showcasing to Hereford the high-quality NHS care SpaMedica is known for.”

The diagnostic and treatment center has launched on the heels of a new SpaMedica eye hospital that opened in Wembly in April 2025, which makes NHS cataract surgery available across London and the surrounding area.²

“At SpaMedica we know what a positive impact cataract surgery can have – not only to a patient’s vision, but also to their quality of life – and we’re delighted to be working in close partnership with the NHS to reduce local waiting times for treatment,” said Hospital Manager Zafar Khwaja, in a news release.² “Our team of surgeons and healthcare professionals are looking forward to delivering high-quality care to as many patients as possible.”

References:

1. SpaMedica eyes innovation, unveiling UK first-of-its-kind vision care center in Hereford. News release. SpaMedica. May 2, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025.

2. SpaMedica opens new eye hospital in Wembley. News release. SpaMedica. April 25, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://www.spamedica.co.uk/spamedica-opens-new-eye-hospital-in-wembley/