Hull Becomes Leading National Centre for Eye Surgery

Bausch + Lomb's first fully integrated refractive laser eye surgery suite has launched at Hull University Hospital, providing state-of-the-art technology for NHS patients undergoing cataract procedures and corneal surgery. The new Allam Refractive Laser Suite was generously funded by Dr Assem Allam – local businessman and philanthropist.

The new refractive laser suite is the first of its kind in the country – providing a full range of Bausch + Lomb technology in one place for a range of eye conditions. The suite includes the Victus® Femtosecond Laser, which offers eye surgeons precision and control for cataract and corneal surgical procedures, and the Teneo™ 317 M2 – the fastest laser of its kind1, which enables surgery to be done more quickly, benefiting the patient and the hospital.

The Allam Refractive Laser Suite will be used to treat NHS patients throughout the North of England – making Hull one of the leading national centres for these procedures.

Commenting on the new facility, Chris Long, Chief Executive of Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching this innovative new facility, and kindly thank Dr Allam for this valuable contribution to the hospital. This state-of-the-art technology, brought together in one service, represents a true national ‘first’ for the NHS. Not only will the Allam Refractive Laser Suite benefit numerous patients throughout the region, any income generated from these procedures will be re-invested directly back into new research and technology, so we can continually enhance our services for patients.”

Colin Vize, Consultant Eye Surgeon and Medical Director at Hull University Hospital, added: “Up to this point, we have relied on highly-skilled surgeons to perform corneal transplants with steady hands and a keen eye. Current manual dissection techniques literally require a surgeon that can estimate a dissection plane to the level of microns. That’s sometimes even smaller than a grain of sand – all without assistance. With the technology in the new Allam Refractive Laser Suite, these procedures can be performed with greater precision and control. This means that patients can benefit from even more reliable and improved outcomes, so they can enjoy their sight again and embrace life to the full.’’