Community Eyecare

The reviews here are very mixed bunch and clearly everyone's personal experience differs according to their problem and the staff they interact with. I can only record my own.

I had cataracts which were first observed 5 years ago deteriorating to a point where intervention was needed just as we were moving into the second lockdown which did disrupt the progression of my case. You need to understand that this is a centre with high throughput each day and any problems or issues (which are inevitable) will have an impact on waiting times.

The admin for the centre in Watford is based in Bolton and liaison with them was not that straightforward. The directions for and location of the centre in Watford have been put together by someone who has never visited the site, and I would strongly advise those with an appointment to find out exactly where this before the appointment; it will save unnecessary pre-appointment anxiety.

I have seen around 10 members of staff there in preparation for and during the course of operations on both eyes. With 1 slight exception they all made time to answer my questions, were polite, professional and competent in both the skills they presented and their approach.

I had the same surgeon for both eyes (Mr Hove). He is skilled, professional and will make time to put you at your ease. Both operations were successful although the results in the first eye seem better than the second (possibly to do with the underlying quality of the eye). The post operative debriefing is generally good and others have commented about possible downstream issues concerning post operative medication and the need to have an assessment (elsewhere) 4 weeks post op to confirm the status.

I have been impressed by the service. It is much quicker than NHS alternatives (hospital waiting times 18 months +) and the standards seem excellent.

Based on my experience I would not hesitate to recommend.

I found the whole experience awful. I felt treated like a piece of meat on a conveyor belt. My first procedure was my worst nightmare. There was no sedation offered or available. I was panting throughout and afterwards was offered a smiley face stress ball with the paint peeling off to calm down. The second procedure was equally horrific. I had to plead for someone to hold my hand but the whole experience was horrific for me personally. I certainly would never ever recommend using this clinic for cataract surgery and the best place is definitely a NHS hospital. The clinic is a private enterprise funded by the NHS and really not at all professional in any way!!

Disorganised and incompetent. They fail to follow up scans and have to be chased. They accused my 95 year old mother of missing an appointment when one had not been sent. They fail to record complaints. One consultant said "I don't know why you are here, you are in the wrong clinic" when they issued the appointment. They are patronising and called my mother "My dear".

My 87 year old father went for a cataract procedure.Hes a tough old boot but after the procedure he explained he felt dizzy but they couldn't care less and forced him to go to the discharge room not the rest room ..appalling
Zero star us too much

First I am delighted that my surgery was successful, but - I had the same surgeon as others who’ve posted. He barked at me, he barked at the nurses, he did NOT explain what has going to do, or was doing at any time, he had no interpersonal skills at all, zero bedside manner and I found him intimidating and the whole experience frightening. I have had laser surgery in both eyes before, it was a totally different experience because of the surgeon’s approach and behaviour. This time it took me 4 days to stop feeling shaken and upset. I’m still angry. I would avoid this clinic in future.

It was a pleasant enough experience. The clinic itself is well laid out and brightly lit. I was seen promptly and all necessary checks were done very efficiently. The optometrist took the time to explain that I wasn't completely ready to have my cataract taken care of as yet but has referred me for a 6 monthly follow up for review.
The place itself is hard to find as it wasn't clear from the address where it was situated hence docked 1 star. Hopefully the photo I have put up shows the entrance clearly for future patients.

I had my appointment prior to my operation which is scheduled for December, the Doctor and the nurse who did an initial eye test were excellent, very pleased with my visit and hopefully my op goes well,
I am adding my experience as I can not add a separate review. Yes the operation went great and the surgery was performed by Doctor Zormpas who I must say is a true professional, I am amazed by his skill in performing a painless and stress free operation, I can not thank him enough for giving me great vision, I would say to anyone not to be worried, you are in good hands with a great team and a wonderful surgeon

Wonderful reception and pre-operation staff. Supportive, extremely professional and careful to ensure all personal details were correct.
The surgeon however had no time for chit chat and the experience felt rushed, with no explanation of the procedure. This was very disconcerting, as was the debrief where clearly the member of staff wanted me to leave ASAP. No offer of tea and a sit down. After 24hrs I am still in pain and have serious reservations regarding doing my other eye.
NB: The 5ml Maxitrol dispenser is hopelessly inadequate for 3 weeks (4 × a day) and the responsibility for ordering more is placed on you and your doctor...........not practical when it could take 10 days to arrive by my provider.