The Newmedica eye health clinics in Bristol and Frome have donated funds to help ensure vital oxygen supplies are available to those who need it in India.

Between them, the two clinics have donated £1,000, and a top-up from Newmedica nationally means that a total of £3,000 has been donated to the British Asian Trust's Oxygen for India appeal.

Julian Phillips, Operational Director at the Newmedica clinics in Bristol and Frome, said: "The situation in India at the moment is dire with COVID infections. Hospitals across are struggling to cope with the sheer volumes and patients in critical conditions are having to be turned away, many dying at home without access to medical aid. Frontline workers are exhausted, and relatives are searching for oxygen cylinders to help treat or comfort their loved ones at home.

'We wanted to do something to help them and making a donation to the British Asian Trust's appeal seemed to be the easiest way to make sure the money reached those who really need it as quickly as possible.'

HR Director at Newmedica, Hayley Graham, said: "We were delighted to make a contribution on behalf of Newmedica nationally to add to the £1,000 donated by the Bristol and Frome clinics.

'We hope that with this charity support and aid from elsewhere, the dedicated medical teams in India will be able to save more lives in the weeks and months to come.'

Newmedica Bristol works in close partnership with the NHS with the Bristol and Frome clinics provide ophthalmology treatments including cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, as well as YAG, a special laser treatment designed to improve vision after cataract surgery, alongside glaucoma management and general eye surgery.

Newmedica supports both NHS and private patients who are typically referred to Newmedica Bristol or Frome by a GP or optometrist.

Newmedica aim to see patients within four weeks for their first appointment, before having their surgical treatment within the following six weeks. For more information, call 01173 350160 or visit www.newmedica.co.uk.