An eye hospital in Swindon is celebrating its first anniversary after a year spent restoring sight, supporting local people, and building strong community links across Wiltshire.
Since opening in 2024, SpaMedica Swindon – based in Canberra House on Great Western Way – has helped hundreds of local residents regain their vision through cataract surgery, earning five-star patient reviews in the process.
Patients have shared glowing feedback about their experiences. One said: “First-class service from start to finish. Very professional – they made me feel at ease. I would recommend SpaMedica Swindon to anyone.” Another added: “Having previously had one eye treated at a private hospital, I found the treatment at SpaMedica Swindon was by far superior.”
Hannah Young, Hospital Manager at SpaMedica Swindon, said: “I’m so proud of what our team has achieved in the last year. Everyone has worked so hard to deliver exceptional care and make sure every patient feels comfortable and supported. Hearing how treatment has restored people’s vision and independence is a really special part of the job.”
To mark the milestone, the 11-strong team – including nurses, scrub staff, healthcare technicians, and patient coordinators – enjoyed a small celebration at the hospital, complete with cakes, decorations, and heartfelt thanks to both staff and patients for their support.
Beyond their clinical work, the Swindon team has also raised nearly £1,800 for charities, including £1,635 for Cancer Research UK through a 5K Pretty Muddy race and £149 for Macmillan Cancer Support. They also support the Lions Club International by collecting unwanted glasses for reuse by people in need around the world.
One of those making a difference is Lead Registered General Nurse (RGN) Primrose Lazarus, who has over 20 years’ experience in nursing. She joined SpaMedica in August 2024 to prepare for the opening of the eye hospital in Swindon two months later.
A Swindon local, Primrose’s day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing patient safety – from preparing patients for surgery to supporting their discharge. Promoted to Lead RGN after only six months in post, she has also recently completed training to administer AMD (age-related macular degeneration) injections.
Talking about her role, Primrose said: “I feel very supported at SpaMedica, not just by the fabulous team but by my manager, Hannah too, who has allowed me to progress through the ranks with training and development. I find the role very fulfilling, ending each day with a sense of accomplishment and I have a good work-life balance which fits around the needs of my family.”
Hannah added: “We’re passionate about investing in our people and giving our team opportunities to grow. Primrose’s journey is a brilliant example of how continuous learning benefits our staff and our patients.”
SpaMedica is one of the UK’s leading independent providers of NHS ophthalmology services, with more than 60 hospitals nationwide offering cataract surgery, AMD treatment, glaucoma diagnostics, monitoring & treatment, and YAG laser capsulotomy.
By providing care closer to home, the organisation supports the NHS’s long-term plan to deliver specialist services in community settings – reducing waiting times and helping patients access treatment quickly.
Patients in Wiltshire attending the Swindon hospital can also use SpaMedica’s free nationwide transport service, which removes mileage restrictions and helps NHS cataract patients get to and from their appointments easily and at no cost, wherever they live.
