Staff and patients at the Oxford Eye Hospital have marked a series of major improvements aimed at making visits easier and faster for patients, thanks to funding from Oxford Hospitals Charity.
Based in the West Wing at the John Radcliffe Hospital, the Eye Hospital has the busiest waiting area across Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), with around 180,000 appointments and procedures each year.
The improvements were formally unveiled at a ribbon-cutting event led by two patients — 12-year-old Eliza Hammond and 86-year-old Christine Curtis — highlighting the impact the changes are expected to have across generations.
A more accessible and welcoming space
The project included a redesign of the department’s main waiting area, with new seating, artwork and colour-coded layouts designed to make navigation easier for people with sight loss.
The artwork features scenes from across Oxford and has been designed to help patients orient themselves more confidently within the department. The redesign was led by Jonathan Brett, a member of the Eye Hospital team, working closely with the charity and incorporating feedback from patients.
Christine Curtis, a former nurse from Horton-cum-Studley, was among those who helped shape the plans.
She said the changes were “fabulous” and had “cheered the place up no end”.
New equipment cutting waiting times
The event also showcased more than £200,000 worth of new diagnostic and treatment equipment funded by Oxford Hospitals Charity, aimed at improving care for patients with serious eye conditions.
Among the new technology is an Anterion imaging machine, funded through a charitable legacy. The machine allows clinicians to diagnose glaucoma more quickly and accurately, reducing the need for multiple hospital visits.
Since its introduction in September 2025, waiting times for new glaucoma patients have fallen by almost 40 per cent, according to the hospital.
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The Anterion imaging machine uses advanced eye-scanning technology to capture highly detailed images of the front of the eye in seconds.
It allows clinicians to diagnose and monitor conditions such as glaucoma more accurately and often in a single visit, reducing the need for repeat appointments. At Oxford Eye Hospital, the technology has helped cut waiting times for new glaucoma patients by nearly 40% since its introduction.
‘Already receiving positive feedback’
Rebecca Turner, interim ophthalmology clinical director, said the changes were already making a difference.
“With thousands coming through our department every week, it can be confusing for patients, especially those who are visually impaired,” she said.
“The new design is such a step forward, and we are already receiving lots of positive feedback. We are very grateful to Jon and, of course, the charity and its donors who have made this possible.”
She added that the new equipment was also helping staff deliver care more efficiently.
“It’s playing a vital role in speeding up and improving our service through more reliable diagnostic scans and fewer hospital trips for patients.”
Charity backing long-term patient benefit
Douglas Graham, chief executive of Oxford Hospitals Charity, said the project reflected the charity’s focus on lasting patient benefit.
“It’s inspiring to hear the passion from staff about these improvements,” he said.
“This is what our charity is all about — working with hospital teams to make a long-term difference for patients.”
Felicity Taylor-Drewe, chief operating officer at OUH, said the transformation would have a tangible impact.
“The new environment is so much easier for patients to navigate,” she said.
“Combined with equipment that is speeding up diagnosis and reducing waiting lists, this will make a real difference to people using the service.”
