Does anyone have any experience of SpaMedica?

[Scout2016]

Has anyone had experience of or treatment through SpaMedica? Or works at one? Trying to figure out of they are too good to be true or not. It looks like they have a load of the NHS contracts for eye surgery, so it is free for the patient. But the waiting times are short and it seems to market itself like it's after business, which I would expect a private not an NHS place to do. And if I've understood correctly you refer yourself, so you can sort of queue jump the regular nhs list, which seems odd, because why aren't the NHS sending people their way if they have the contracts and capacity?
It's in relation to cataract surgery. Thanks.

Around here if you are referred for cataract surgery that's where you end up if you are a simple case. Mum was having hers done within three weeks of her seeing an optician for an eye test. The optician referred her to the GP, no self referral, and it was done under contract for the NHS. I'm not sure why you think it's too good to be true?

My optician referred me to spa medica for cataract surgery. The waiting time at my local hospital Eye department was 9 months, I was seen at sm within 10 days, surgery 5 days later on 1 eye then 5 weeks later for 2nd eye. Recovery time after each one was a month with drops 4 times a day and restrictions such as no lifting, bending, heavy housework /gardening etc. I believe it costs the NHS £7000. Excellent clinics and very professional care.

I had my cataract operation done after SpaMedica in January. The operation was quick and there were no problems afterwards. The waiting list was way shorter than the local NHS hospital - I'd still be waiting for another year there.

It sounds too good to be true because their service is shockingly good. The NHS is so bad these days I don't blame you for being suspicious. But, yeah you'll get five star service with Spa Medica

Wasn't impressed, they didn't seem to have dp's notes or listen so we went elsewhere, he had excellent treatment there (both offered nhs btw though he used private medical to get better lenses)

Thank you everyone. It's the fact it's free/ NHS but with private style waiting times, advertising and sheen - for want of a better word - that made me query it. Also I've never heard anyone talk about it or heard of it at all, but there seem to be liads of them, which made me a bit suspicious because if it's as good as it sounds why isn't it more well known? I appreciate the fact I haven't heard of something doesn't mean much though!