An opticians in Dundee has been praised after inspectors found the safety and care of patients to be ‘exceptional’.
Optical Express on High Street received the ‘exceptional’ grade following an inspection by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).
The ‘exceptional’ grade is not often given by HIS.
However, inspectors noted the Dundee opticians fully delivered “safe care and treatment for patients in line with legislation, best practice and current guidance”.
Two decades ago more than 90% of Optical Express revenue came from glasses and contact lenses.
Now more than 95% is from ophthalmology services including screening and treatment for laser eye surgery, cataract surgery, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and ocular plastics.
Patient safety
Patients’ experience of care, safe delivery of care, leadership of improvement and change, and staff recruitment, training and development were inspected.
Inspectors made no requirements or recommendations for changes to services.
The inspection found the clinic’s environment and laser suites were clean, and equipment was fit for purpose and regularly maintained.
A designated clinical staff member took responsibility for infection prevention and control practices.
The service also had a safe system for prescribing, storing and administering medicines.
Temperature-sensitive medicines were stored in the pharmacy fridge and a daily log was maintained to ensure storage at the correct temperature.
Staff were also trained to ensure they could quickly support patients in the event of a medical emergency.
Patient feedback
The inspector received feedback from patients as part of the inspection.
Patients felt well-informed and received a substantial amount of information about treatment options, risks, benefits and aftercare arrangements before going ahead with treatment.
Patient responses to inspectors’ online survey included one which said they experienced “excellent care from the team”.
Another said staff “had a good balance of professionalism and treated me like a valued friend”.
‘Fantastic care for local community’
The report notes the team is an “established long-serving, skilled and experienced surgical team and group of clinicians”.
Staff also receive good opportunities for training and career progression and all were completing quality improvement modules on the NHS training and education system.
David Moulsdale, Optical Express chairman and CEO, says: “We are all very proud of our Dundee team who deliver fantastic quality of clinical care for the local community.
“The exceptional rating, the highest available, awarded to the clinic by the national regulator HIS, is truly well-deserved.
“As an organisation, we are now focused almost entirely on the delivery of ophthalmology services and treatments.
“Our highly skilled teams are dedicated to providing the very best clinical outcomes, patient experience and access to care.”
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