ACES Eye Clinic

ACES Eye Clinic: community ophthalmology for NHS patients

ACES Eye Clinic is an independent provider of NHS community eye care services. Founded in 2005, the organisation presents itself as one of the first centres in the country to move fast-track cataract surgery out of the hospital setting. Its activity focuses on NHS patients and combines routine and emergency ophthalmology care, with the stated aim of reducing waiting lists and avoiding hospital admission.

Available ophthalmology services

The clinic offers a catalogue of services covering different areas of ophthalmology:

• Cataract surgery
• YAG laser treatment
• Glaucoma
• Oculoplastics
• General ophthalmology

According to the clinic's information, care is provided with up-to-date ophthalmology technology and seeks consistent clinical outcomes for patients.

Average wait and referral pathway

ACES states that cataract patients can be seen within an average of four weeks from initial referral. If surgery is required, the patient can choose the date, time and clinic that is most convenient for them. The organisation notes that this timescale is far shorter than that of traditional NHS hospitals.

Access to the clinic requires a referral. Healthcare professionals should preferably use the NHS e-referral service. If it is not available, referrals can be made by contacting the clinic directly. Patients have a legal right to choose where they receive their NHS treatment and can ask their optometrist, GP or NHS provider to process the referral.

Care model and objectives

The clinic describes itself as an independent provider that supports the NHS and places patient care at the centre of its activity. Its stated objectives include reducing waiting times for eye conditions, providing care without the need for a hospital stay, bringing care closer to the patient's home in line with Department of Health guidelines, reducing overall waiting lists in the health system, generating additional capacity in secondary care, and applying new technologies and up-to-date equipment.

ACES states that treatment at its clinics involves no cost to the patient and no greater expense to the NHS than if it were carried out in a public hospital. The organisation treats NHS patients in the East of England.

Patient profile and feedback

The clinic collects patient reviews that highlight the speed of appointments, the clarity of the information received, the personalised treatment and the sense of safety during follow-up. Some testimonials mention long periods under ACES care and the attention received at the time of discharge.

Activity and structure

ACES operates several community clinics and offers services both to patients and to optometrists and healthcare professionals. The organisation publishes information about its clinics, referral guides, eye conditions, news and events, as well as annual quality reports for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years. The company listed as the owner of the site's rights is Anglia Community Eye Service Ltd.