Waiting lists prompt private growth

Private ophthalmic clinic OCL Vision has expanded its staff following a 50% jump in treatment numbers since the beginning of 2021.

The company has attributed the rise in patient numbers to ‘pent-up demand’ created by ‘lengthy waits for NHS treatments’. Juliet Hicks, chief operating officer at OCL, said: ‘With the NHS still under immense pressure from the coronavirus pandemic, the private healthcare sector has stepped up to provide a vital safety valve.’

Alby Wakeling has joined OCL as head of operations with recent experience as general manager of ophthalmology at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. She has been joined by six hires across the nursing, operation and finance teams.