Optical services provider expands with latest opening

A Preston-based optical services provider is expanding and opening a new treatment centre in Worcester.

Founded in 2012, CHEC (Community Health and Eyecare) works with thousands of optometrists to deliver a shared care partnership model.

It is now one of the largest providers of community-based ophthalmology services in the UK.

CHEC says the expansion is part of its strategy to provide healthcare services for patients against a background of increasing NHS waiting lists.

The new centre will provide both ophthalmology and diagnostic endoscopy services for patients.

Ophthalmology and endoscopy are two of the highest impacted areas affected by the COVID pandemic. Ophthalmic treatment alone accounted for approximately 10% of NHS waiting lists in 2022.

With the Worcester site due to open in March, it marks the first in a series of planned launches for CHEC in 2023.

In 2022, CHEC opened five new treatment centres across England, as well as launching its community services in Dorset.

Jon Dore, chief operating officer at CHEC, said: “It is exciting to be able to announce our plans for 2023.

“The opening of our new centre in Worcester will further expand our high quality services across England and help make healthcare more accessible for local residents.

“Moreover, it demonstrates CHEC’s continued commitment to supporting the NHS in reducing waiting lists across the country.”