Cathedral Eye Clinic begins pioneering new laser treatment in Belfast

Belfast’s Cathedral Eye Clinic has officially opened its state of the art new clinic, completing an investment of over £2million and bringing pioneering new technology to Ireland for the first time.

The groundbreaking new Cathedral Eye Clinic on Academy Street, Belfast is at the forefront of ophthalmic care, with new third generation Zeiss Visumax SMILE laser eye technology – the first of its kind in Ireland – now available at the Clinic.

The Zeiss VisuMax SMILE procedure is a key-hole style laser eye treatment, which is virtually pain-free and has a rapid recovery time. The newest, most accurate and safest laser eye treatment available, the Zeiss VisuMax SMILE procedure is the premier eye solution for people wanting to get freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

The Visumax SMILE treatment has been successfully performed on more than 150,000 eyes worldwide. Since the new technology was installed in Cathedral Eye Clinic in Belfast in late September, almost 20 people have availed of the treatment, with up to 100 patients expected to undergo treatment before the end of 2015.

Founded in 2008 by leading consultant ophthalmic surgeon, Professor Johnny Moore, Cathedral Eye Clinic has grown to become one of Ireland’s most respected and successful eye clinics, offering a wide range of services from simple eye tests to laser eye surgery and cataract removal.

Championing the safest and most effective forms of eye treatments, Professor Moore is a specialist in laser refractive surgery, cataract and other eye surgeries. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading eye surgeons, he has completed over 20,000 procedures.

Commenting ahead of the official opening of the new Clinic, Professor Moore, clinical director, Cathedral Eye Clinic said: “For over seven years, Cathedral Eye Clinic has offered pioneering treatments to patients across Ireland and the UK.

“We are committed to offering the safest and most effective bespoke eye treatments in Ireland, with our Belfast based consultants overseeing the entire process from consultation right through to post-operative care. We are proud to invest in our new state-of-the-art clinic and to bring Zeiss VisuMax SMILE procedure to Ireland for the first time, enabling us to continue to uphold the highest level of safety in our laser procedures but now with virtually no pain for the patient.

“The first Visumax SMILE treatments have been extremely successful and we anticipate high demand for this new treatment, which offers exceptionally rapid recovery times – within 24-48 hours, vision is completely restored.”

Part of the funding for the expansion was provided by Ulster Bank.

Tracey Morrow, Ulster Bank Head of Belfast & North Down Business Centre, said: “Cathedral Eye Clinic has a great location and a strong offering – investing in their business to put them on a path for long-term success. As a bank, we’re pleased to support Professor Moore and his team. With £1.5bn available for businesses this year, we have the people and products in place to help local businesses innovate and expand.”
Supported by a team of over 10 local specialist consultants, Cathedral Eye Clinic prides itself on offering bespoke eye solutions and complete end to end care in Belfast, from the initial consultation, right through to dedicated aftercare.

Colin Coleman from Coleraine suffered from short sightedness and astigmatism and for years craved for clear vision. An adrenaline junkie whose hobbies include kayak surfing, swimming and triathlon races, Colin wanted freedom from glasses and contacts to enjoy his outdoor pursuits to the full.

After researching his options, Colin opted for the innovative new Visumax SMILE laser treatment at Cathedral Eye Clinic and was attracted by the prospect of a pain free procedure with a rapid recovery time that would mean he could get back to work – and the surf – quickly. He is one of the first people in Northern Ireland to have undergone the pioneering new treatment.

Speaking about his experience, Colin said: “During the treatment, I had absolutely no awareness of what was happening… You don’t see anything; you don’t hear anything. It’s incredible. I did wonder momentarily if it was possible that a treatment that was so straightforward and totally pain free could actually change my vision for the better for life. My doubts were very short lived.

“Following the treatment, I could immediately tell that my vision was better and there was an improved clarity. I remember walking out of the clinic and thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, I can read that registration number.’
“There was no pain after the treatment, just a little bit of discomfort as if my eyes were tired. I had the treatment on a Wednesday and was back in work on the Friday, less than 36 hours after leaving the Clinic.
Over the next five days, Colin’s vision improved further and further each day. One week on, his vision is now better than 20/20, effectively fighter pilot standard.

“It’s just fantastic,” he says. “I compete in triathlons and with the open water swimming element of the competitions; it will make such a difference. Before, when I put the goggles on, I was essentially blind. Now I will be able to see the markers on land; monitor for riptides and currents – it will improve my performance and safety whilst in the water.

“I got in the swimming pool for the first time a few days ago and it was just amazing.

“The difference is incredible. I just can’t wait to get into the sea again. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Cathedral Eye Clinic – the experience from start to finish has been first class.”

For further information, or to enquire about bespoke eye care solutions, contact Cathedral Eye Clinic on or by email to