Thousands of residents across Cheshire East with sight-stealing conditions can now access local care
People across Macclesfield and the wider Cheshire East area are being encouraged to get their eyes checked after a new community eye health centre opened its doors to NHS patients.
By Cheshire Today
People across Macclesfield and the wider Cheshire East area are being encouraged to get their eyes checked after a new community eye health centre opened its doors to NHS patients.
The new SpaMedica clinic, based at Tytherington Business Park in Macclesfield, is now accepting NHS patients with conditions including wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and glaucoma.
The centre is expected to support more than 13,000 people across Cheshire East living with sight-threatening conditions, helping more residents access specialist care closer to home.
For many people, changes in eyesight can happen gradually and may be easy to ignore at first. But experts are urging anyone who notices unusual symptoms to book an eye test with their optometrist, who can then refer them for NHS treatment if needed.
Patients referred to SpaMedica Macclesfield with cataracts will receive expert vision assessments at Fernbank House, with treatment pathways including surgery in a dedicated theatre setting and access to a free door-to-door transport service for cataract patients.
The Macclesfield clinic is also providing testing, monitoring and treatment for wet AMD under one roof, with SpaMedica saying patients referred into the service are currently being offered a first appointment within 14 days. Local residents diagnosed with glaucoma can also be supported through the new service.
Centre manager Kerry Moseley said the new facility would make a major difference for people living with sight loss in the area.
She said: “Our purpose-built facility in Macclesfield will make a significant difference to people living with sight loss in the region. This is hugely important, given that in Cheshire East, rates of both cataracts and AMD are estimated to rise by nearly 30% by 2032, with glaucoma cases expected to increase by 20%.
“The good news is that these conditions are treatable. So, if you’ve noticed any unusual changes in your vision, book a check up with your optometrist. Once referred to us, we ensure patients can access high quality care that is convenient for them.”
Residents are being reminded not to ignore warning signs that could point to serious eye conditions.
Symptoms of AMD can include: • blurred vision • lines appearing wavy or crooked • gaps or dark spots in vision • colours seeming dull
Symptoms of cataracts can include: • blurred vision • difficulty driving at night • trouble reading or watching television • sensitivity to bright lights or glare • fading of colours • frequent changes to glasses or contact lens prescriptions
Symptoms of glaucoma can include: • misty or blurry patches in vision • increasing difficulty with reading or driving in more advanced stages
Because some eye conditions can develop slowly without obvious early symptoms, regular eye tests remain important.
For residents across Macclesfield and Cheshire East, the message is simple: if your vision has changed, get it checked. Local specialist NHS care is now closer to home.