Progressive Vision Wins Innovation Award at the Irish Healthcare Awards 2026
A proud moment for our team as our pioneering approach to cataract surgery receives national recognition.
We are absolutely delighted to announce that Progressive Vision has won the Innovation in Health Award at the Irish Healthcare Awards 2026, held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Tuesday, 3rd November.
Organised by the Irish Medical Times, the awards recognise excellence and innovation in Irish healthcare. Winning this prestigious award is a wonderful achievement for our entire team and marks an important milestone in our mission to make expert eye care more accessible, comfortable and convenient for patients.
Bringing Cataract Surgery Out of Hospital and Into the Community
Our award recognises the introduction of Office-Based Cataract Surgery at Progressive Vision Swords, a first for Ireland.
Traditionally, cataract surgery has taken place in a hospital setting. At Progressive Vision, we wanted to offer patients something different: the same high standards of surgical care, but in a calm, welcoming clinic environment, without the stress often associated with a hospital visit.
Following years of research, planning and investment, we opened our state-of-the-art surgical suite at our Swords clinic in 2024.
Today, suitable patients can have their cataract surgery in our fully equipped clinic, with:
- No hospital visit required – surgery takes place in our dedicated Swords clinic.
- No fasting or IV needles – gentle oral sedation is available where appropriate.
- Short waiting times – quicker access to treatment.
- A short clinic stay – most patients can return home within two to three hours.
- A familiar, caring team – supporting patients throughout their treatment.
For many patients, particularly older adults or those who feel anxious about hospital procedures, this approach can make a real difference.
A Vision Years in the Making
Progressive Vision CEO and Co-Founder, Dr Aideen Curtin, and Clinical Director, Mr Mark Cahill, have worked closely with the team to bring this innovative service to Ireland.
Mr Cahill, who completed specialist fellowships at Harvard and Duke University in the United States, has long recognised the potential of delivering high-quality surgical eye care outside traditional hospital settings.
Working with our US partners, iOR Partners, we have brought this established model of cataract surgery to Ireland, adapting it to meet the needs of Irish patients.
Speaking about the award, Aideen Curtin said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award. It means so much to Mark, myself and the entire Progressive Vision team after years of hard work and planning.
We wanted to make cataract surgery a more comfortable and straightforward experience for patients, without compromising on the quality of care. Seeing how happy and relieved our patients are following their surgery has been incredibly rewarding.
This award is recognition of the dedication of our wonderful team, who care for our patients with such kindness every day. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.”
Thank You to Our Team, Partners and Patients
This award belongs to our entire Progressive Vision team of more than 40 dedicated professionals across our Sandyford and Swords clinics.
From our surgeons, optometrists and surgical nurses to our eye technicians, reception and patient engagement teams, everyone has played a part in making this new service a success.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to our US partners, iOR Partners, whose expertise and support have been invaluable in establishing office-based cataract surgery in Ireland.
Most importantly, thank you to our patients and their families for placing their trust in us. Your positive feedback and experiences are what make all the hard work worthwhile.
We are also grateful to the Irish Medical Times and the Irish Healthcare Awards judges for recognising the importance of bringing innovative healthcare services into the community.
Looking to the Future
As Ireland’s population ages, the demand for cataract surgery continues to grow. We believe that safe, effective and accessible clinic-based surgery has an important role to play in meeting that demand.
At Progressive Vision, we will continue to invest in new technologies, develop our services and find better ways to care for our patients.
Our mission remains simple: to provide exceptional eye care, delivered with kindness, in the heart of the community.
This award is a wonderful endorsement of that mission, and we’re excited about what comes next.
Considering Cataract Surgery?
If cataracts are affecting your vision or everyday activities, our experienced team at Progressive Vision would be delighted to help.
Our award-winning office-based cataract surgery service is available at our fully accessible Swords clinic. Cataract surgery is covered by major private health insurers, subject to policy terms, and self-pay options are also available.
No GP referral is needed.
Call: 01 213 5652
Email: info@progressivevision.ie
Website: www.progressivevision.ie
Progressive Vision – Expert Eye Care, Delivered with Kindness.