Optegra buys Yorkshire Eye Hospital for £4m

Yorkshire Eye Hospital, based at Apperley Bridge between Leeds and

Bradford, was acquired by Optegra Eye Hospitals.

Now Optegra has pledged to invest 1.2m in the Yorkshire site, with the money being spend on a new laser, more advanced equipment and on upgrading its interior.

The firm already has an eye hospital in Guildford and is developing a purpose-built site near Southampton, which is due to open in July.

Paul Cowling, managing director of Optegra Eye Hospitals,

said: "Yorkshire Eye Hospital has grown steadily since its launch and we intend to continue this expansion.

"It offers patients unrivalled care provided by pioneering consultants, all of whom are leaders in their respective fields. The hospital offers a highly innovative, premium service supported by the most advanced, state-of-the art diagnostic equipment and treatment facilities available."

Yorkshire Eye Hospital, which was set up in 2003 by a group of

ophthalmologists led by consultant Bruce Noble, and was opened by Princess Alexandra, will keep its name.

The firm said it was the first purpose-built private eye hospital in the UK to be developed and run by specialists.

Optegra said all the clinicians at the the hospital would stay on and run their regular clinics.

Ian Johnston, chairman of the hospital, said: "Yorkshire Eye Hospital has enjoyed tremendous growth and a fast-growing reputation for

excellence and I am delighted that we have joined forces with such an innovative, experienced team who share our passion for providing the unrivalled levels of service and patient satisfac-tion."

The hospital, which has 49 staff, offers diagnosis and treatment of all types of eye conditions from cataracts, AMD and glaucoma to laser eye surgery and lens implant vision correction.

Optegra, which is owned by investment vehicle Moonray Healthcare, has 25 staff.

It declined to reveal information about its turnover and that of Yorkshire Eye Hospital.

The 12 months to July 2010 is its first full year of trading.