The Victoria Eye Unit, based at the Hereford County Hospital, came into being when the old Victoria Eye Hospital closed in 2002, and ophthalmology services were transferred into purpose-built premises on the new County Hospital site.
The eye unit has had its own charitable fund for many years, with donations coming from patients, relatives, friends, and other supporters. Sometimes it receives bequests from former patients.
The charitable fund has purchased many items of equipment over the years, allowing the Eye Unit to remain at the “cutting edge” of ophthalmology, and to punch well above its weight. Currently the Unit are planning to purchase a new retinal camera and retinal scanning unit, which will allow them to treat patients with age-related macular degeneration more effectively. This equipment will cost over ?100,000, so you will realize that modern ophthalmic equipment is not cheap!
The Victoria Eye Unit serves not only the people of Herefordshire, but also parts of the surrounding counties, including Monmouthshire, Powys, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Hence any donations to the charitable fund very much support the local population. Moreover, the fund is protected, and cannot be used by other parts of the hospital.
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