Vision Eye Institute (VEI) CEO Amanda Cranage
With a strategic network across Australia, Vision Hospital Group (VHG) has established its own niche within the market – specialist ophthalmic day surgeries. Which is no surprise, given it’s owned and operated by the country’s largest private ophthalmology provider.
Leveraging Vision Eye Institute’s Expertise
When Vision Eye Institute (VEI) CEO Amanda Cranage says the organisation’s deep-rooted expertise in ophthalmology is the reason why its subsidiary VHG can provide ophthalmic surgeons and their patients with unparalleled service, she means it.
In 1996, Ms Cranage began working as an orthoptist at Camberwell Eye Clinic, which would later become one of VEI’s three founding practices (interestingly, the clinic also boasts Melbourne’s first two-theatre day surgery). After moving through the ranks, she assumed the top job twelve months ago.
The appointment was a nod to Ms Cranage’s clinical background, operational experience and strategic nous – and a clear message that VEI and VHG are not your usual corporate healthcare groups.
She points out that others in the leadership team have also been at VEI ‘for ten, twenty years’ and have substantial experience across all levels of the business and all aspects of ophthalmology. ‘Like Camberwell, some of the clinics that joined Vision already had a co-located day surgery, while greenfield day hospitals were more recently added. So, operationally speaking, it’s always been about clinics and day surgeries for VEI.’
There are currently 18 VEI clinics and 11 VHG day surgeries across metropolitan and regional NSW, VIC, SA and QLD.
If patients are going to a doctor who specialises in their condition, why wouldn’t a surgeon go to a day surgery that specialises in the procedures they perform?
A Relaxed, No-fuss Operating Environment
Each VHG day surgery was established specifically for ophthalmic procedures, from the facility and fit out to the protocols and staff. Corporate support such as centralised billing and marketing further reduces the onus on surgeons, allowing them to focus solely on patient care and surgical outcomes.
‘Our Directors of Nursing have extensive ophthalmic experience, as do the theatre and recovery teams. And what that translates to is the surgeon walking in, having a chat, scrubbing, completing their list and then leaving,’ she says.
‘It’s the perfect solution for ophthalmologists who want a relaxed, no-fuss environment, where they can do what they do best and know we’ll handle the rest. VMOs look forward to their theatre sessions with us because we make it easy for them. We do our job.
If patients are going to a doctor who specialises in their condition, why wouldn’t a surgeon go to a day surgery that specialises in the procedures they perform?
World-class, Values-based Healthcare
Underpinning both VEI and VHG are the values that guide all staff members, regardless of which site they work at or role they hold, says Ms Cranage.
‘Our people are at the heart of what we do, which is why we put so much effort into finding the right people – people who share our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. I can honestly say I am immensely proud of their professionalism and their shared drive to provide the very best care to our patients.’
Patient safety and outcomes will always be our top priority – that is absolutely non-negotiable.
‘We recognise the need for increased access to healthcare and strive to make that a reality. Due to our scale and operational expertise, we can offer extremely competitive fees without compromising on quality or safety. VMOs are telling us this is a big drawcard, while patient feedback remains consistently high and within the world-class category.’*
*Based on an average Net Promoter Score, which is a measure of customer satisfaction, above 80.
Day Surgery Brand Stands on its Own
As VEI added more sites, the decision was made to bring the day surgery arm under a separate banner – namely, VHG.
‘It was really important to delineate our clinics and day surgeries, particularly the greenfield sites. That’s because our day surgeries don’t require surgeons to be affiliated with VEI. In fact, as more VMOs discover our hospitals and high level of service, VHG is becoming a preferred location for ophthalmologists not generally associated with VEI.
The VHG brand prevents confusion for surgical patients of VMOs with their own practice.
Ms Cranage is positive about the outlook for the organisation, as it continues to expand its reach. ‘We are committed to setting new benchmarks for ophthalmic day surgeries, and we warmly invite all ophthalmologists to join us on this exciting journey.’
The Vision Eye Institute and Vision Hospital Group story |
|---|
| – Largest private provider of ophthalmic services in Australia – 18 eye clinics, 11 day surgeries, 4 states – 3,500 patient lives transformed each week and patient satisfaction scores** consistently in the world-class category – 130 doctors, 550 nurses, orthoptists and other support staff (largest employer of orthoptists in Australia) – State-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment and technology (first access in some cases) – Dedicated research unit and a non-profit eye research charity, Future Vision Foundation – Collaborations with allied organisations (most recently with Sight For All) |
**Measured using the Net Promoter Score
To learn more about Vision Hospital Group or arrange a confidential discussion about operating at one of our facilities, please visit visionhospitalgroup.com.au
