We’re delighted to announce that our flagship clinic at 200 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, has once again been awarded an ‘Exceptional’ rating across all domains following its latest inspection by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).
This is the second consecutive ‘Exceptional’ rating, following the clinic’s outstanding performance in 2022. This is the highest possible rating from the Scottish healthcare regulator, and this was achieved with no requirements or recommendations – a rare and significant achievement.
A centre of clinical excellence across vision, aesthetics and dermatology
Optical Express Glasgow is not only a leading centre for private cataract surgery, premium presbyopia lens replacement procedures and laser eye surgery, but also a multi-disciplinary healthcare hub.
The clinic is shared with our sister brand sk:n, delivering doctor-led aesthetics and dermatology services. This integrated model brings together specialist expertise, rigorous governance, and consistent clinical standards across both brands, ensuring patients receive high-quality, consultant-led care in one trusted setting.
Consistent exceptional care across Scotland
In addition to the Glasgow flagship clinic, all Optical Express surgical clinics across Scotland — in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness — are also rated ‘Exceptional’ by HIS. This means every Optical Express surgical site in Scotland has achieved the regulator’s highest possible standard of care.
This Scotland-wide achievement underscores Optical Express’s commitment to excellence, patient safety, clinical governance, and continuous improvement.
What does a HIS inspection involve?
Healthcare Improvement Scotland conducts independent inspections of NHS and private healthcare providers. Inspectors visit clinics, review clinical records, observe processes, and speak directly with patients and staff. Their findings are then published publicly to ensure transparency and accountability in healthcare provision across Scotland.
What our patients said
As part of the inspection process, HIS spoke directly with patients about their experiences. Feedback included:
“The staff are welcoming and supportive. There was no pushy sales and the staff gave me all the information required. The environment was really clean and I was impressed with the outcome.”
“I felt respected and was treated with dignity.”
HIS quality framework and findings
HIS inspections are based on a comprehensive Quality Assurance Framework, structured around seven Quality Domains grouped into three Key Focus Areas:
- Direction
- Implementation and delivery
- Results
Inspectors highlighted Optical Express’s robust governance systems, particularly praising the clinic’s approach to training, quality improvement, and patient-centred service design. Their report noted:
“A comprehensive risk management and quality assurance system, including an audit programme and a quality improvement plan, helped to provide assurance of a continuous cycle of quality improvement.”
Leadership Commentary
Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, said:
“I am incredibly proud of our teams and the outstanding care they provide every day. To be rated ‘Exceptional’ by HIS for a second consecutive inspection at our Glasgow flagship is a testament to their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to patient safety. Our leadership team remains focused on fostering a supportive, high-performing environment for both staff and patients across all our Scottish clinics.”
David Moulsdale, Founder and CEO of Optical Express, said:
“Excellence has always been at the heart of Optical Express. Achieving ‘Exceptional’ ratings across all our Scottish surgical clinics is a tremendous accomplishment and reflects the consistent quality of care delivered in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. We are immensely proud of our clinical teams and this well-deserved recognition.”
You can view our full report on our website here.
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