OPTEGRA
- Anonymous
Hi
is this for all laser eye surgery or just Optegra/Alex Shorrt?
________________
admin All refractive surgery (laser and lens). You posted as 'Enquirer' on 16 May, so I'm not sure what you want here
is this for all laser eye surgery or just Optegra/Alex Shorrt?
________________
admin All refractive surgery (laser and lens). You posted as 'Enquirer' on 16 May, so I'm not sure what you want here
Last Edit:22 May 2023 15:07
by Anonymous
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- Enquirer
This surgeon has popped up as possible for me wanting Presbyond.
How do I find a reputable company/surgeon?
_______________________________
admin: You won't get any recommendations here - other than DON'T DO IT
sasha@mybeautifuleyes.co.uk
How do I find a reputable company/surgeon?
_______________________________
admin: You won't get any recommendations here - other than DON'T DO IT
sasha@mybeautifuleyes.co.uk
Last Edit:18 May 2023 16:08
by Enquirer
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- A Patient's Review of Alex Shortt
Replied by A Patient's Review of Alex Shortt on topic OPTEGRA Alex Shortt
Posted 07 Mar 2023 10:36 #3
I had SMILE in 2019 by Alex Sortt and, I'm sad to say it has completely ruined my life. 4 years on and I am still unable to work, barely able to leave the house, with very poor vision and constant pain. I am more dependant ohn glasses than before and glasses are not able to correct the distorted corneas Alex Shortt created. He is in my experience a danger to the public and is a prime example of eye surgeons getting away with murder due to the lack of regulation.
Also, never trust Doctify as these reviews are curated.
My review of Alex Shortt is that the man needs to be locked up.
Also, never trust Doctify as these reviews are curated.
My review of Alex Shortt is that the man needs to be locked up.
Last Edit:13 Mar 2023 17:47
by A Patient's Review of Alex Shortt
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- Caroline
HI, I wanted to say thank you for your post which has made me decide against Optegra which I'd been considering for cataract removal. I'm so sorry for your experiences and hope very much your situation has improved. You have been such a help to me.
All the very best
Caroline
All the very best
Caroline
by Caroline
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Optegra chain sold to yet another faceless company putting profit before people
https://www.laingbuissonnews.com/healthcare-markets-content/inbusiness-healthcare-markets-content/h2-equity-partners-agrees-to-acquire-optegra/
‘H2 EQUITY PARTNERS HAS AGREED TO ACQUIRE
OPTEGRA OPHTHALMOLOGY GROUP
H2 Equity Partners (“H2”) is pleased to announce it has exchanged contracts to acquire Optegra International Limited (“Optegra”). Completion of the acquisition will occur following satisfaction of certain regulatory conditions and is expected to take place early in 2021.
Optegra is a leading pan-European ophthalmology group with 23 eye hospitals across the United Kingdom, Czech Republic and Poland. Optegra provides a range of critical eye-care services including cataract surgeries and AMD as well as leading innovative vision correction procedures. The business provides leading eye-care to publicly funded national healthcare systems such as the NHS as well as to self-pay patients. The group holds top-3 market positions in each of the countries in which it operates. Optegra has an exceptional management team, leading surgeons and clinical teams, and well invested facilities with ample capacity to support future growth.
Following H2’s investment, management, led by CEO Dr Peter Byloos, will work closely with H2 to deliver Optegra’s ambitious growth strategy and ensure it continues to provide excellent care and service to its patients.
For further information on Optegra please refer to www.optegra.com About H2 Equity Partners
H2 Equity Partners is a leading independent investment firm founded in 1991, making investments in medium-sized companies with significant growth or improvement potential. The H2 team has built an exceptional track record of acquiring, strengthening and growing fundamentally attractive businesses. H2 invests in companies across all sectors, that have strong market positions and competitive advantages, which can benefit from the extensive international operating experience of the H2 team.
H2 Equity Partners Fund V was launched in February 2017 and makes investments in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Benelux. Optegra represents Fund V’s ninth investment.
For more information about H2 Equity Partners please visit: www.h2ep.co.uk ’
https://www.laingbuissonnews.com/healthcare-markets-content/inbusiness-healthcare-markets-content/h2-equity-partners-agrees-to-acquire-optegra/
‘H2 EQUITY PARTNERS HAS AGREED TO ACQUIRE
OPTEGRA OPHTHALMOLOGY GROUP
H2 Equity Partners (“H2”) is pleased to announce it has exchanged contracts to acquire Optegra International Limited (“Optegra”). Completion of the acquisition will occur following satisfaction of certain regulatory conditions and is expected to take place early in 2021.
Optegra is a leading pan-European ophthalmology group with 23 eye hospitals across the United Kingdom, Czech Republic and Poland. Optegra provides a range of critical eye-care services including cataract surgeries and AMD as well as leading innovative vision correction procedures. The business provides leading eye-care to publicly funded national healthcare systems such as the NHS as well as to self-pay patients. The group holds top-3 market positions in each of the countries in which it operates. Optegra has an exceptional management team, leading surgeons and clinical teams, and well invested facilities with ample capacity to support future growth.
Following H2’s investment, management, led by CEO Dr Peter Byloos, will work closely with H2 to deliver Optegra’s ambitious growth strategy and ensure it continues to provide excellent care and service to its patients.
For further information on Optegra please refer to www.optegra.com About H2 Equity Partners
H2 Equity Partners is a leading independent investment firm founded in 1991, making investments in medium-sized companies with significant growth or improvement potential. The H2 team has built an exceptional track record of acquiring, strengthening and growing fundamentally attractive businesses. H2 invests in companies across all sectors, that have strong market positions and competitive advantages, which can benefit from the extensive international operating experience of the H2 team.
H2 Equity Partners Fund V was launched in February 2017 and makes investments in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Benelux. Optegra represents Fund V’s ninth investment.
For more information about H2 Equity Partners please visit: www.h2ep.co.uk ’
Last Edit:26 Nov 2020 09:42
by admin
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Posted 17 July: 'A few days ago I was contacted by the family of yet another person irreparably damaged by refractive eye surgery.
Tragically they couldn’t go on ?’
www.opticalexpressruinedmylife.co.uk/ind...iscuss/12722-tribute
More details and names of all parties will be published nearer the time of the inquest, scheduled later this year, but for the purpose of this post I am anonymising with pseudonyms:
• Deceased patient: Tristan
• Partner: Martha
• Operating consultant surgeon: Dr Salmon
• 2nd consultant surgeon: Dr Weasel
In December 2019, considering refractive lens exchange, after what he thought was enough extensive research, Tristan decided on Optegra Eye Hospital, not only because of their advertising as a hospital (remember Bobby Qureshi/London Eye Hospital?), but having also seen TV ads and YouTube videos over the years in which Ruth Langsford gushed unrestrained praise for #Clarivu (Optegra’s brand name for refractive lens exchange).
Ruth Langsford was paid lots of money to tell people ‘Do it, do it, do it’ (see below) but husband Eamonn Holmes took no notice and sensibly stuck to his reading specs!
Tristan met with Dr Salmon at Optegra in January 2020, and given no information about possible serious risks he was subsequently fitted with trifocal ZEISS Vision Care lenses.
Within weeks he was experiencing post op problems - incl haloes, which an optom assured him would improve with time! - but by April Tristan’s problems were worsening, with no sign of improvement.
He was advised that he could have an explant, the trifocal lens removed and replaced with a monofocal lens, but that he would then have to wear glasses.
Tristan was happy to accept this option.
He had called Optegra many times over the months for help and advice, pleaded to see Dr Salmon, who I understand has not worked at Optegra Eye Hospital since lockdown, and finally, toward the end of June, he was given an appointment with Dr Weasel.
Prior to this appointment, to better understand his options, Tristan carried out plentiful research, reading numerous medical articles.
Arrogantly - and tragically, Dr Weasel unsympathetically dismissed his colleagues' clinical opinions, and Tristan’s own research, insisting that the only real option was YAG laser, with scary and negative reasons not to have an explant (guessing he is not a specialist in this field, or was trying to save Optegra ££).
Dr Weasel destroyed any hope Tristan held for the recovery of his vision, and he left the consultation in utter despair.
Tristan wrote a number of letters to close family members, and asked Martha to tell people why he had done this in a detailed blog on his phone - written right up until the moment he hanged himself.
Whilst the GMC and lawyers will have to decide whether Dr Salmon was at fault in any way, Martha lays the blame for Tristan’s desperate last act firmly at Dr Weasel’s door.
In response to Martha’s Subject Access Request, it took three attempts before Optegra's lawyers finally disclosed Tristan’s medical records and notes in an acceptable format.
All about ££££££!
PRESS ENQUIRIES: sasha@mybeautifuleyes.co.uk :kiss:
Tragically they couldn’t go on ?’
www.opticalexpressruinedmylife.co.uk/ind...iscuss/12722-tribute
More details and names of all parties will be published nearer the time of the inquest, scheduled later this year, but for the purpose of this post I am anonymising with pseudonyms:
• Deceased patient: Tristan
• Partner: Martha
• Operating consultant surgeon: Dr Salmon
• 2nd consultant surgeon: Dr Weasel
In December 2019, considering refractive lens exchange, after what he thought was enough extensive research, Tristan decided on Optegra Eye Hospital, not only because of their advertising as a hospital (remember Bobby Qureshi/London Eye Hospital?), but having also seen TV ads and YouTube videos over the years in which Ruth Langsford gushed unrestrained praise for #Clarivu (Optegra’s brand name for refractive lens exchange).
Ruth Langsford was paid lots of money to tell people ‘Do it, do it, do it’ (see below) but husband Eamonn Holmes took no notice and sensibly stuck to his reading specs!
Tristan met with Dr Salmon at Optegra in January 2020, and given no information about possible serious risks he was subsequently fitted with trifocal ZEISS Vision Care lenses.
Within weeks he was experiencing post op problems - incl haloes, which an optom assured him would improve with time! - but by April Tristan’s problems were worsening, with no sign of improvement.
He was advised that he could have an explant, the trifocal lens removed and replaced with a monofocal lens, but that he would then have to wear glasses.
Tristan was happy to accept this option.
He had called Optegra many times over the months for help and advice, pleaded to see Dr Salmon, who I understand has not worked at Optegra Eye Hospital since lockdown, and finally, toward the end of June, he was given an appointment with Dr Weasel.
Prior to this appointment, to better understand his options, Tristan carried out plentiful research, reading numerous medical articles.
Arrogantly - and tragically, Dr Weasel unsympathetically dismissed his colleagues' clinical opinions, and Tristan’s own research, insisting that the only real option was YAG laser, with scary and negative reasons not to have an explant (guessing he is not a specialist in this field, or was trying to save Optegra ££).
Dr Weasel destroyed any hope Tristan held for the recovery of his vision, and he left the consultation in utter despair.
Tristan wrote a number of letters to close family members, and asked Martha to tell people why he had done this in a detailed blog on his phone - written right up until the moment he hanged himself.
Whilst the GMC and lawyers will have to decide whether Dr Salmon was at fault in any way, Martha lays the blame for Tristan’s desperate last act firmly at Dr Weasel’s door.
In response to Martha’s Subject Access Request, it took three attempts before Optegra's lawyers finally disclosed Tristan’s medical records and notes in an acceptable format.
All about ££££££!
PRESS ENQUIRIES: sasha@mybeautifuleyes.co.uk :kiss:
Last Edit:21 Sep 2020 17:49
by admin
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Update 14 August: Good to see Optegra paying attention! Only 41 surgeons now listed on their site since I posted below - though how many are available is questionable!
'As part of the deal, practices will receive a fixed f[strike]r[/strike]ee from Optegra.'
Typo by Optician editor should read 'fixed FEE' - there is nothing free in this industry
www.opticianonline.net/news/optegra-cata...referral-agreement-1
The referral fee includes refractive surgery too!
Last month I gave information about the Optegra chain being up for sale to a journalist, who emailed the company on 15 July...
‘I'm a freelance journalist with an interest in the refractive surgery industry.
I understand that Optegra is up for sale and has parted company with all surgeons it had been using on a freelance basis.
Can you tell me whether the business is up for sale as a result of a downturn in business caused by Covid-19, as a result of legal actions relating to the use of Oculentis lenses and poor outcomes for patients, or simply because now is seen as a good time to get out of the industry?
Happy to discuss this on the phone if that suits.’
Arti Patel, Optegra's Head of Marketing, called the journalist, followed up by an email on 17 July...
‘As I stated on our call, I don’t have any comments as this is pure speculation.
If you have further questions please drop me an email.’
On 30 July, the journalist emailed Arti again...
'Subject: Re: Optegra up for sale
Dear Arti,
Thanks for offering to forward this to your PR team.
I note what you say about this being speculation, but it is informed speculation from good sources who have had close connections to Optegra for many years and have now been told they won't be getting any more work from your firm.
It is also the case that when speculation is wrong or untrue, the source of speculation tends to start off with that assertion rather than by saying they're not going to comment on speculation.’
30 July 2020, Alexandra Martin [@Golin.com] to journalist...
'Subject: RE: Optegra up for sale
Replying to this email, after being forwarded over to Golin, Optegra’s PR agency.
There is no comment from Optegra.
Best
Alex’
2 August 2020, Sasha Rodoy to Peter Byloos, Optegra's CEO...
'Hi Peter
However reluctant Optegra is to admit to the fact, and though I don't know what stage the negotiations have reached, I do know that the company is in process of being sold.
1. Will you please therefore advise (i) who will be responsible for providing patients with their 12 months aftercare? (ii) where this leaves patients fitted with recalled Oculentis lenses, assured that Optegra would perform any necessary explants in the future - as Niall Patton personally told one of my MBEF clients?
2. And with Rory Passmore gone from the company, please tell me if there is an acting MD?
3. I recently spoke with two (disgruntled) consultants who were told last month that there will be no more work for them, yet they are still listed on Optegra's ‘World Class Surgeons’ website page.*
As only a handful of these consultants are providing surgery to Optegra customers, who apparently include, Alex Shortt, Amir Hamid, Jonathan Aboshiha, and James Ball (all of whom I understand have a contract with Optegra), would you not agree that this is misleading advertising?
I look forward to your earliest response.'
No reply from Dr Byloos!
* Most of the 100 named on Optegra’s website are ‘jobbing’ consultants, called in when needed, but the lengthy list makes the company look more impressive to potential customers.
www.optegra.com/consultants/
Another complaint for the ASA - but as Optegra unlikely to exist by the end of this year, probably not worth the time!
'As part of the deal, practices will receive a fixed f[strike]r[/strike]ee from Optegra.'
Typo by Optician editor should read 'fixed FEE' - there is nothing free in this industry
www.opticianonline.net/news/optegra-cata...referral-agreement-1
The referral fee includes refractive surgery too!
Last month I gave information about the Optegra chain being up for sale to a journalist, who emailed the company on 15 July...
‘I'm a freelance journalist with an interest in the refractive surgery industry.
I understand that Optegra is up for sale and has parted company with all surgeons it had been using on a freelance basis.
Can you tell me whether the business is up for sale as a result of a downturn in business caused by Covid-19, as a result of legal actions relating to the use of Oculentis lenses and poor outcomes for patients, or simply because now is seen as a good time to get out of the industry?
Happy to discuss this on the phone if that suits.’
Arti Patel, Optegra's Head of Marketing, called the journalist, followed up by an email on 17 July...
‘As I stated on our call, I don’t have any comments as this is pure speculation.
If you have further questions please drop me an email.’
On 30 July, the journalist emailed Arti again...
'Subject: Re: Optegra up for sale
Dear Arti,
Thanks for offering to forward this to your PR team.
I note what you say about this being speculation, but it is informed speculation from good sources who have had close connections to Optegra for many years and have now been told they won't be getting any more work from your firm.
It is also the case that when speculation is wrong or untrue, the source of speculation tends to start off with that assertion rather than by saying they're not going to comment on speculation.’
30 July 2020, Alexandra Martin [@Golin.com] to journalist...
'Subject: RE: Optegra up for sale
Replying to this email, after being forwarded over to Golin, Optegra’s PR agency.
There is no comment from Optegra.
Best
Alex’
2 August 2020, Sasha Rodoy to Peter Byloos, Optegra's CEO...
'Hi Peter
However reluctant Optegra is to admit to the fact, and though I don't know what stage the negotiations have reached, I do know that the company is in process of being sold.
1. Will you please therefore advise (i) who will be responsible for providing patients with their 12 months aftercare? (ii) where this leaves patients fitted with recalled Oculentis lenses, assured that Optegra would perform any necessary explants in the future - as Niall Patton personally told one of my MBEF clients?
2. And with Rory Passmore gone from the company, please tell me if there is an acting MD?
3. I recently spoke with two (disgruntled) consultants who were told last month that there will be no more work for them, yet they are still listed on Optegra's ‘World Class Surgeons’ website page.*
As only a handful of these consultants are providing surgery to Optegra customers, who apparently include, Alex Shortt, Amir Hamid, Jonathan Aboshiha, and James Ball (all of whom I understand have a contract with Optegra), would you not agree that this is misleading advertising?
I look forward to your earliest response.'
No reply from Dr Byloos!
* Most of the 100 named on Optegra’s website are ‘jobbing’ consultants, called in when needed, but the lengthy list makes the company look more impressive to potential customers.
www.optegra.com/consultants/
Another complaint for the ASA - but as Optegra unlikely to exist by the end of this year, probably not worth the time!
Last Edit:18 Aug 2020 11:38
by admin
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- Bob
Hi. I used to work for Optegra and a former colleague who has been let go by the company has told me that the ongoing restructuring is in preparation for it being sold this year. I hope this info is of some interest to you. Regards.
__________________________
admin: Anyone with more information about this can email me anonymously. I do not disclose my sources
sasha@mybeautifuleyes.co.uk
__________________________
admin: Anyone with more information about this can email me anonymously. I do not disclose my sources
sasha@mybeautifuleyes.co.uk
Last Edit:18 Jun 2020 15:47
by Bob
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Happening today @ 6.30pm
Yet another example of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists impotence and outright refusal to castigate fee paying members who breach their unenforceable 'Professional Standards for Refractive Surgery', as Optegra Eye Hospital part time jobbing doctor Sumith Perera engages in this Facebook promo alongside snooker player Judd Trump.
Note for Dr Sumith Perera - read point 52:
'You must not use promotional tactics in ways that could encourage people to make an ill-considered decision.'
www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-...ns/maintaining-trust
And whilst Optegra Eye Hospital regularly offer discounted and 'time-limited deals', and their caim tht they are responsible for his victory, I trust that they and Judd Trump will be honest and disclose their financial relationship before he answers questions this evening!
'9.2 Celebrity endorsements are discouraged and, in the event these are used, a written declaration clarifying any financial relationship, including reduced cost treatment, between the clinic and the celebrity should appear alongside the endorsement.'
www.rcophth.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/201...Surgery-May-2018.pdf
Yet another example of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists impotence and outright refusal to castigate fee paying members who breach their unenforceable 'Professional Standards for Refractive Surgery', as Optegra Eye Hospital part time jobbing doctor Sumith Perera engages in this Facebook promo alongside snooker player Judd Trump.
Note for Dr Sumith Perera - read point 52:
'You must not use promotional tactics in ways that could encourage people to make an ill-considered decision.'
www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-...ns/maintaining-trust
And whilst Optegra Eye Hospital regularly offer discounted and 'time-limited deals', and their caim tht they are responsible for his victory, I trust that they and Judd Trump will be honest and disclose their financial relationship before he answers questions this evening!
'9.2 Celebrity endorsements are discouraged and, in the event these are used, a written declaration clarifying any financial relationship, including reduced cost treatment, between the clinic and the celebrity should appear alongside the endorsement.'
www.rcophth.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/201...Surgery-May-2018.pdf
Last Edit:13 Mar 2023 17:47
by admin
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And we kick off the ‘2020’ advertising frenzy amongst refractive eye surgery providers with Optegra first out of the traps!
Bad enough that Optegra resort to the cockroach level of Optical Express and Optimax/Ultralase by spamming people with unsolicited emails offering discounts, contrary to GMC and RCOphth guidelines, but to spam seriously damaged Accuvision patient Greg Brady of all people is beneath contempt!
I trust that when this comes to the attention of Rory Passmore (Optegra MD) he will offer Greg an unreserved apology, and I’ll be happy to publish it
Bad enough that Optegra resort to the cockroach level of Optical Express and Optimax/Ultralase by spamming people with unsolicited emails offering discounts, contrary to GMC and RCOphth guidelines, but to spam seriously damaged Accuvision patient Greg Brady of all people is beneath contempt!
I trust that when this comes to the attention of Rory Passmore (Optegra MD) he will offer Greg an unreserved apology, and I’ll be happy to publish it
Last Edit:15 Aug 2020 15:09
by admin
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