A new partnership is making cataract surgeries more accessible for patients in southeastern New Brunswick.

Vitalité Health Network, Horizon Health Network, and the Cataract Institute in Dieppe are collaborating to improve access to care and reduce delays.

The Cataract Institute is set to perform over 3,000 surgeries annually, with the capacity to handle up to 5,000 procedures per year, according to Vitalité Health.

“This collaboration allows us to deliver faster and more efficient surgical care that is essential to quality of life,” Dr. Natalie Banville, Vice-President of Medical Affairs at Vitalité Health Network, said.

Surgeries at the clinic will be performed in a modern, specialized facility designed to reduce backlogs and ensure optimal outcomes.

Medicare will fully cover these procedures, just as it would if performed in a hospital, according to a government release.

Vitalité Health Network will oversee the agreement to ensure the clinic meets the highest standards of care in quality and safety.

The initiative highlights a continuing effort to address healthcare needs in southeastern New Brunswick