NHS Golden Jubilee becomes UK’s largest single-site cataract centre
NHS Golden Jubilee has become the largest single-site provider of cataract surgery in the UK, carrying out a record 13,581 cataract procedures in 2025/2026.
The Clydebank-based hospital delivered the highest volume from one hospital site anywhere in the UK, helping thousands of patients regain their sight while easing pressure on waiting lists across Scotland.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for NHS Scotland and demonstrates the increasingly important role NHS Golden Jubilee plays in reducing waiting times and helping patients access life-changing treatment more quickly.
The latest figures also show that NHS Golden Jubilee’s cataract activity has increased by more than 70% since 2019/2020, when the Hospital carried out nearly 8,000 procedures, and has more than tripled compared with a decade ago.
This growth at NHS Golden Jubilee follows the opening of their state-of-the-art Eye Centre in 2020, a major investment designed to significantly increase capacity and improve access to cataract surgery for patients across Scotland.
Pictured, patient Garry Kirkwood
For 59-year-old patient Garry Kirkwood, from Kilwinning, cataract surgery at NHS Golden Jubilee has made a transformational difference to his life.
Garry had been living with worsening vision for several years after being monitored for congenital and age-related cataracts in both eyes. Before surgery, glare and “starbursts” from lights were making driving increasingly difficult, particularly at night and at dusk.
He said: “It had been going on for so long that I couldn’t remember the last time I could see without it.
“I was still passing eye tests, but lights were horrific. I was getting to the point where I thought I was going to have to stop driving at night.”
Garry underwent bilateral cataract surgery at NHS Golden Jubilee in May and said the improvement was almost immediate.
He added: “Within minutes, I could read the name on a machine and tell the time on the wall. I couldn’t see like that before without my glasses.
“My overwhelming thought was that I used to watch the world on a VHS tape and now I’ve been given ultra-HD vision.
“The glare is almost gone, driving is so much easier, and the colours are incredible. I didn’t realise blues, reds and blacks could look so vivid. I can see birds clearly in the sky, read road signs from the car (without my glasses) and notice details I hadn’t seen for years.
“I am astounded by the quality of my vision.”
Garry also praised the care he received from staff throughout his treatment.
He said: “From the moment I arrived, everyone helped put me at ease. The team were professional, skilled and reassuring, but they were also personal and friendly.
“You could tell they were a really well-oiled team. I cannot fault the care I received.”
Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations carried out in the NHS. It involves removing the clouded lens inside the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens, helping to restore vision and improve quality of life, independence and confidence.
For many patients, cataract surgery can mean being able to drive again, continue working, read, maintain social connections and live independently.
NHS Golden Jubilee serves patients from every NHS Board in Scotland and has become a vital national centre for reducing waiting times for planned care.
The Eye Centre is also helping to develop the ophthalmology workforce of the future through a uniquely immersive cataract training programme delivered in partnership with the West of Scotland Deanery. The programme supports doctors at both the beginning and end of their specialist training, providing intensive hands-on experience in a high-volume surgical environment. Consistently rated highly in national trainee surveys, the programme helps trainees build confidence, competence and independence, giving them the skills they take into eye services across Scotland.
Katy Seaton, Senior Charge Nurse at NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Centre, said: “Demand for cataract surgery continues to grow as Scotland’s population ages, making high-volume, high-quality services increasingly important.
“Our teams have developed efficient pathways that allow us to treat more patients while maintaining excellent standards of care and patient experience.
“Reaching more than 13,500 procedures in a single year is a remarkable achievement and reflects the commitment of everyone involved in delivering the service.”
Carolynne O’Connor, Chief Executive of NHS Golden Jubilee, said: “This achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of our teams and highlights the important contribution NHS Golden Jubilee is making to planned care across Scotland.
“Every one of these procedures represents someone whose sight has been improved and whose quality of life has improved.
“For many patients, cataract surgery is transformational, enabling them to maintain their independence and continue doing the things that matter most to them.
“By working in partnership with health boards across the country, we are helping more people access treatment sooner while supporting NHS Scotland to reduce waiting times and meet growing demand for care.”
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