SpaMedica, NewMedica and FODO News

15 June 2026

We have 5 items for you today:

1. Volunteering opportunities in Watford’s Urgent Eye Clinic
   
   We have been asked by West Herts Teaching Hospital Trust (WHTHT) in Watford if there are any Optometrists who would be keen to spend some time in their Urgent Eye clinic. This would be a wonderful learning opportunity and you would be providing them with a helping hand.
    
   The clinics run from Monday to Friday.
   Currently, they prefer to have help during Monday and Friday sessions because these are their busiest days.
   Morning or afternoon sessions are available as well as all-day sessions.
    
   This is a voluntary role initially.
    
   Please contact admin@hertsloc.org.uk in the first instance with your name, contact details and availability.
    
2. SpaMedica / LOC Catch Up
   
   Jane  (LOC Chair) and I recently met at SpaMedica Watford with Leigh Coetsee, Service Promotions Executive, and IP Optometrist, Amit Nakum, who is their Medical Retina Service Lead. We wanted to understand not only the referral pathways from the provider perspective but also the patient journey for the various treatments offered.

   Cataract Surgery
   The cataract referral pathway from initial consultation, to the performing of all diagnostic tests and measurements, to the day of cataract surgery are all done in one location. The operating theatre is downstairs and easily accessible.
   Bilateral surgery and ‘Dropless’ options are available on the NHS, at the Consultant’s discretion.
   A maximum of 20 patients are seen within each clinic day.
   Any ocular complications post surgery are dealt with by SpaMedica.

   An accredited post-operative cataract scheme is available for optometrists and this uses the Medisoft portal. The current fee is £43. Further details can be found at https://www.spamedica.co.uk/post-op-accreditation/

   Wet AMD
   The wAMD service runs as a ‘one-stop’ service where OCT scans, visual acuity assessment and anti-VEGF injection are arranged for a single appointment. The clinic is upstairs but a lift is available.
   A personalised ongoing treatment plan is scheduled for the patient at this appointment.
   SpaMedica explained that they have reduced their infection risk by using prefilled syringes (PFS) of anti-VEGF.
   They also handle any ocular complications themselves, following treatment.

   Other Points
   Free onsite parking is available.
   Transport can be arranged upon request, if needed.

   Currently, SpaMedica is commissioned for NHS treatment of cataract, glaucoma, YAG and wAMD. Unfortunately, we did not have time to discuss the glaucoma options available during this meeting, we will update you on this in due course.

   Contact email: leigh.coetsee@spamedica.co.uk
   Tel 0330 058 4280 (for general enquiries at SpaMedica)

   Private treatment is available and further information can be found at https://www.spamedica.co.uk/treatments/freedom-vision/

   Anita
   South and West Herts Lead for Hertfordshire LOC

3. Newmedica Update
   
   Jane and I later met with Huma Stone, Operations Director of Newmedica, Welwyn Garden City, for an update. As it will be their 1st anniversary at this site on 6th May 2026, this seemed like a good time to catch up with their past year and find out more about the variety of subspecialities offered for NHS patients. These are also shown on the referral platform EyeV (Single Point of Access – SPoA) provider matrix used by optical practices in South and West Herts.
    
   The clinic is owned and led by consultant ophthalmologists Mr James Bacon, Mr Michael Toma and Miss Fariha Shafi. 

   Cataract surgery
   The first appointment for assessment is generally available about 10 days after receiving the referral. However, in line with the current ICB specified waiting times, there will be a delay of 14 weeks for surgery, unless it is deemed of more urgent nature, in which case Newmedica can put forward a request to the ICB for earlier treatment, which is in line with all NHS providers.

   They can also offer ‘drop-free’ surgery if required and bilateral surgery, both offered on the NHS, with consultant approval where appropriate. 
    
   Post cataract op scheme
   This is available for those optometrists accredited with OPERA – please contact Newmedica for further information, email hertfordshire@newmedica.co.uk or phone 01707 524766
    
   YAG laser for posterior capsular opacification (PCO)
   YAG for PCO can be offered to any patients, regardless of where their previous cataract surgery was carried out.
    
   Glaucoma/SLT laser
   SLT is the first line of treatment where appropriate, as recommended by NICE.
   Other treatment options are available such as drops and surgery.
   This can be combined with cataract surgery, when needed.
    
   Oculoplastics, orbits and lacrimal
   These are also provided for NHS patients at the Welwyn site.
    
   Wet AMD
   Treatment is also provided for NHS patients at the Welwyn site.
    
   Hydroxychloroquine screening
   This is only available directly via a patient’s GP at present.
    
   Other Points
   There is onsite free parking and transport can be arranged, if necessary. 

   Newmedica have had no cases of endophthalmitis to date.
    
   They are waiting for other National Ophthalmology Database Audit (NOD) data e.g. PCR rate and AMD audit but, as they have only been in operation for less than 1 year, this is unavailable at present.
    
   Private treatment is available and further information can be found at https://www.newmedica.co.uk/private-patients/

   Anita
   South and West Herts Lead for Hertfordshire LOC

4. CPD Event in Watford, Tuesday, 19th May
   SpaMedica are holding a CPD event, “Seeing Beyond the Surface: Advancing Glaucoma Care with OCT” on Tuesday 19th May from 6pm at their clinic in Watford. Further information and registration can be found HERE. 
5. FODO News
   Is HERE, including New eye care innovation hub seeks to revolutionise diagnostics, Bursary offers £3,000 for IP training and CPD overhaul ‘must maintain public protection’.

Kind regards

Herts LOC