Record number of Scots cataract patients being treated at NHS Golden Jubilee
The NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Centre is carrying out a record number of treatments for patients across Scotland 4 years after it opened its doors.
The Ophthalmic centre, dedicated to delivering cataract surgery, was the first NHS Scotland National Treatment Centre (NTC) to open in November 2020.
The centre has now carried out almost 55,000 treatments and last year (2024/2025), 11,719 Scottish patients received cataract surgery – a record high and rise of almost 3,000 from 2022/2023.
An integral part of the centre is a pioneering Twin Theatre design that allows for cataract procedures to be carried out in a more efficient way. This involves increased visibility and communications between 2 theatres to allow a patient to be prepared in one area while the consultant completes an operation in the other.
Cataract surgery is now 98% successful in improving visual function and the service now carries out approximately 30% of NHS Scotland’s cataract surgeries.
NHS Golden Jubilee Deputy Director of National Elective Services, Caroline Handley, said: “Ophthalmology is one of the busiest services in the NHS, responding to a mixture of ophthalmic conditions that may be sight-threatening or sight-limiting.
“With an ageing population, alongside the introduction of new techniques, there is more demand for cataract surgery than ever before.
“NHS Golden Jubilee is combining our state-of-the-art Eye Centre and highly skilled team to deliver a high volume of cataract surgery to the population of Scotland, last year delivering a record number of surgeries, which is helping to meet this increase in demand.
“The new centre has 6 operating theatres, which is triple the size of our previous eye suite. The dedicated team is extremely positive and enthusiastic and work efficiently together to help deliver more timely care for the people of Scotland.”
According to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, there will be an increase of around 50% in the numbers of cataract operations in the UK over the next 20 years.
Patients with ophthalmic conditions are often vulnerable as the majority of demand is age-related and the impact of not treating the condition in a timely manner can be significant.
NHS Golden Jubilee is currently working with key stakeholders to expand on a successful training programme currently in place, to support the next generation of cataract surgeons throughout Scotland.
An initiative, due to be launched later in the year, will involve an academy approach to providing immersion cataract training for trainee surgeons. This will ensure that future surgeons will be able to deliver high volume cataract surgery, creating a sustainable workforce for the future.
Caroline Handley added: “NHS Golden Jubilee will continue to develop the service in the coming years by focusing on the training and recruitment of staff and exploring new ways of working in order to serve the needs of the Scottish population.”
Sisters scheduled for same day sight-saving surgery thanks to team’s quick thinking
Three sisters from the east coast of Scotland received their cataract surgery together on the same day, thanks to the quick thinking and compassionate care of the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Centre team.
Marion Smith, Jean Mains and Catherine Johnston (pictured above with Eye Centre nurses) were originally scheduled to attend the Clydebank-based hospital separately, which would have meant multiple journeys for their family from their homes in East Lothian.
When one of the Eye Centre nursing team realised the connection between the patients, they contacted the hospital’s booking office to see if their surgeries could be arranged for the same day – helping to reduce travel for the sisters through person-centred care.
The sisters were referred to NHS Golden Jubilee for their surgery from NHS Lothian as part of the Scottish Government’s National Treatment Centres (NTCs) programme, which provide extra capacity for planned care for the likes of day case cataract treatment, diagnostic services and hip and knee replacement surgery to reduce waiting times across Scotland.
NTCs help increase the ability of Scottish patients to access treatment more flexibly in a person-centred way, and support regional working across territorial NHS health boards.
The retired sisters, originally from Ormiston, but now living in other areas of East Lothian, were delighted by the thoughtfulness of the staff and how their care was managed.
Catherine said: “The team were so kind, they made everything really easy for us. We couldn’t believe it when they offered us the chance to all come in together.
“It was a huge help, especially as I don’t drive and my husband John would have been bringing each of us separately so it was a big relief and much more convenient for us all.”
Marion added: “It was lovely being here with my sisters. The team went above and beyond for us – from the nurse who noticed the link to the staff who rearranged everything. We were in and out quickly, and everyone was so friendly.”
Ophthalmic Consultant Sumona McLaughlin said: “At NHS Golden Jubilee, we are proud to treat patients from across Scotland, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that their journey is as seamless as possible - from referral through to recovery.
“With 78% of patients surveyed across the country expressing their willingness to travel here, I sincerely believe this reflects the outstanding quality of care delivered by our dedicated specialist Eye Centre team.
“Their commitment to excellence ensures patients not only receive the best possible outcomes, but also a truly positive experience.”
