A community eye care provider is helping to slash NHS waiting times in Peterborough.

Advanced Community Eyecare Services (ACES) has been actively treating NHS patients suffering from various ophthalmic conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma.

Many of these patients have faced severe delays in receiving treatment.

By providing this care to the local public, ACES is helping to reduce the backlog of patients waiting for cataract surgery.

This means that people in the city will not have to wait as long to receive the care they need.

READ MORE: University Centre Peterborough Celebrate Graduation Ceremony

Stephen Hannan, clinical services director at ACES, said: “It’s unacceptable that NHS patients like Kathryn should have to spend months on a waiting list for vital treatment.

"ACES is proud to give patients like her across the country the care they need safely and swiftly.

"If you are concerned about the level and / or quality of your vision, speak to your optometrist or GP and ask to be referred to one of our ACES state-of-the-art clinics.”

Kathryn, a 67-year-old Peterborough resident, avoided the waiting list by getting cataract surgery from ACES.

She said the care she received has made it easier to do everyday tasks like driving and reading.

She said: “I have already started to recommend ACES to friends, because it was a safe, speedy and stress-free experience.

"I was especially pleased about not having to spend months on a waiting list with the poor vision continuing.”

READ MORE: Read the staggering statistics on producing cheap clothing

Cataracts are cloudy patches that form on the natural lens of the eye.

These patches usually become bigger over time, causing blurry vision and eventually leading to blindness if left untreated.

The condition largely affects older people.

ACES typically treats NHS patients' cataracts within four weeks of their pre-assessment, with the possibility of surgery within 14 days.

Established in 2005, ACES has a track record of providing high-quality eye care services for NHS patients across East Anglia.