The innovative Cathedral Eye Clinic at the University of Ulster, York Road, Belfast, has been officially opened by the Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie. With her are (l-r) consultant ophthalmologist Professor Johnny Moore of the University of Ulster, consultant ophthalmologist John Fenton and Johnny Graham non-executive director.
A state-of-the-art eye clinic, offering private and emergency healthcare to the public, has opened at the Belfast campus of the University of Ulster.
A team of experienced consultant ophthalmologists and optometrists at the new Cathedral Eye Clinic offers total eye-care, ranging from vision treatment to testing for medical conditions of the eye.
Joint Head of the new operation is Professor Johnny Moore, who is also a part-time consultant Ophthalmologist at the Royal Group of Hospitals and the Mater Hospital in Belfast.
Professor Moore explained: “We have four consultant ophthalmologists who are providing specialist expertise in laser and refractive cataract surgery, anterior segment surgery, medical and surgical retina and oculoplastic surgery. Importantly, they provide screening for all the major chronic ocular conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age related macular degeneration.”
Opening the clinic, Margaret Ritchie, the Minister for Social Development, welcomed the establishment of the hi-tech medical facility in the Cathedral Quarter. “This area’s future viability and sustainability depends on private sector investment in commercial and residential development,” she said.
“There is increasing momentum and change of mood in the area as private sector development activity increases and I commend this new eye clinic’s investment.”
The Cathedral Eye Clinic is actively involved with the University of Ulster in providing continual professional development short courses at the Belfast Campus. They are for GPs, ophthalmologists in training, optometrists, nurses and the general public.
Professor Moore says a unique feature of the Cathedral Eye Clinic will be its ability to avail of the latest research in ophthalmology conducted within Northern Ireland. The clinic is currently offering initial free assessments.
The clinic will be available to help Health and Social Service boards tackle eye-care waiting lists. Based in the new business units at York Street, it will provide emergency care for patients in the local community. An eye casualty service operates from 10am-7pm Monday to Friday and emergency appointments can be made by telephoning 028 90 322020.