Find out more about ophthalmology service – and bid for a Rita Sullivan outfit

Company news

Aug 05, 2013

A public open day is being held on Saturday (August 10) which will give people the opportunity to find out more about the Rochdale Ophthalmology Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service (CATS) – and capture an outfit worn by Coronation Street’s Rita Sullivan.

The NHS service, which operates from the Croft Shifa Health Centre in Belfield Road, Rochdale and The Phoenix Centre in Heywood, is run by independent healthcare provider Care UK. It offers a number of treatments to NHS patients across the region, including a glaucoma service, pre-operative assessments and a minor operation service for numerous eye conditions.

Members of the team will be on hand to meet visitors and show them around the facilities. Representatives from the Action for Blind People charity will also be present, offering information and support and raising funds. Part of the fund-raising will involve an auction when people can bid for an outfit worn by Rita (actress Barbara Knox) in Coronation Street, complete with a certificate of authentication and a signed photograph.

Ericka Ashworth, service manager at Rochdale Ophthalmology CATS, said: “We provide clinical assessment and treatment services giving people fast, convenient access to treatment for ophthalmological conditions and complaints.

“The idea behind the open day is to give people a better idea of the services available. If you and your GP or optometrist decides this service is the right option for you, you will be seen by our consultant-led team of specialists who will undertake any assessments and diagnostics tests either at your initial appointment or shortly after. If necessary, they will also provide treatment, often on the same day, but certainly as early as possible, and agree with you a suitable plan to manage your condition.”

Action for Blind People is a national charity, providing practical help and support to blind and partially-sighted people of all ages. Its close relationship with the RNIB enables the charity to provide a unique combination of complementary strengths and expertise to help an ever increasing number of people with sight loss.
Harry Mead, from Action for Blind People’s fundraising team, said: “We are really grateful for people’s generosity in raising money for our charity. This helps us to continue providing help and support to blind and partially-sighted people.”

The open day is at the Croft Shifa Health Centre in Belfield Road, Rochdale, 10am-1pm.