WHILE people living in and around Bolton are already benefiting from having an award-winning and nationally acclaimed eye unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital, a new initiative now offers quicker treatment.

“Virtual eye clinics” are being introduced to the town to streamline eye appointments, thanks to a £1 million investment.

From this week, around 2,000 patients a year who need monitoring for glaucoma or wet macular degeneration will be invited to clinics at Waters Meeting Health Centre in Astley Bridge.

This availability is set to cut times for treatments by more than half and is excellent news for local people.