Chestergates Veterinary Specialists launches advanced cataract surgery
Service uses human-grade phacoemulsification equipment
Chestergates Veterinary Specialists is launching a new Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery service, offering the most advanced ophthalmic care to pets across the Northwest of England.
The service is being led by Veterinary Ophthalmologist Endika Garcia and is now accepting referrals. It is supported by Chestergates’ Specialist-led anaesthesia service and Specialist-led internal medicine team.
Cataracts are a serious, sight-threatening condition that can cause irreversible damage to the eye. They may develop due to trauma, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, ocular inflammation, or simply as a result of aging or hereditary factors. Once formed, the only effective treatment is surgical removal of the lens.
Phacoemulsification is the gold standard in cataract surgery, widely used in human medicine. The minimally invasive technique uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify and remove the cataract through small incisions on the eye, instead of requiring ophthalmologists to open 180 degrees of the eye. It also allows for the placement of an artificial intraocular lens for the best possible visual outcome for our patients. This significantly reduces recovery time and complication rates compared to traditional methods.
Chestergates has invested over £130,000 in human-grade ophthalmic technology to ensure the highest standards of safety, precision, and outcomes for its phacoemulsification patients. It’s new state-of-the-art equipment includes; an Alcon Centurion® Vision System with Active Sentry Handpiece; next-generation operating microscope; portable electroretinography (ReteVet); Chromatic Pupillary Light Reflex (CPLR) tester; and high-frequency ultrasound probes for ocular imaging.
Endika Garcia said:
“Chestergates is one of the few specialist veterinary hospitals in the region to offer this new technique. It allows for safer, more precise removal of cataracts and placement of artificial intraocular lenses - restoring vision with minimal recovery time. We hope it will be of great benefit to pets suffering from cataracts across the region.”
Chestergates is offering fixed pricing for its new cataract surgery service using phacoemulsification. The cost is £4,550 for one eye and £5,550 for both eyes. This includes all preoperative tests (electroretinography, gonioscopy, ultrasound, blood work), surgery, 24-hour hospitalisation, take-home medications, and 8 weeks of postoperative care.
Non urgent appointments will be offered on Monday and Thursday and emergency appointments every day. Find out more information about new Phacoemulsification service via Chestergates' Ophthalmology page, and how to refer a case.
Chestergates Veterinary Specialists is a leading specialist led, multi-disciplinary veterinary referral hospital situated just north of Chester in the Northwest of England. It offers a 24-hour supervised hospitalisation area, separated by species, 365-days a year. The Chestergates team offer a broad range of specialist veterinary referral services including anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, dermatology, cruciate repair, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation & physiotherapy, soft tissue & general surgery, and total hip replacement.