Countess of Chester Hospital charity launches £200,000 appeal for advanced retinal scanner

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Charity has officially launched a £200,000 fundraising campaign to purchase a state-of-the-art retinal scanner for its Westminster Eye Unit, which treats over 40,000 patients annually.

The Optos Ultra Wide Field retinal scanner offers faster, less invasive imaging, making it particularly effective for children, babies, and adults with learning difficulties who may struggle with traditional eye tests.

The advanced technology captures detailed images of the retina in a single scan, aiding in the early detection and treatment of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.

Angie Lopez, Head of Fundraising at The Countess Charity, said:

“We are very excited about the potential the Optos scanner has for our patients. The Eye Unit staff have been incredibly engaged, taking on fundraising challenges like climbing Snowden and skydiving to help us reach our goal. We hope to raise the full amount as soon as possible.”

Meeting Growing Demand

The Westminster Eye Unit is the Trust’s second busiest department after A&E, with retinal imaging in high demand. The scanner will improve capacity, reduce testing times, and allow staff to see more patients, addressing current challenges in clinic flow.

To date, £102,000 has been raised, thanks to community fundraising efforts, but more support is needed to hit the £200,000 target.

Residents are encouraged to donate and help bring this vital equipment to the Trust, enhancing the health of local people and improving patient experience.