Testimonials
OPED UK Ltd is proud to be the provider of class leading innovative products. Giving exceptional treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Our products are supported by independent clinical studies, but equally important to us is the support we have from the expert clinicians working across the UK both within the NHS and privately.
Here are some welcomed words of praise from the incredible caregivers using our products in the UK:
Please note, the testimonials given are done so entirely in the words of the authors themselves and have had no input or payment of any sort from OPED UK Ltd. All testimonials are given at the free will of the authors.
VACOped
VACOped
”My experience working with OPED in the management of our Achilles tendon rupture patients has been extremely positive. Their advice proved pivotal in terms of pushing the VACOped boot business case through and since the introduction of this device the regional representative Tim has been very accessible providing training as when required and answering queries when they crop up”
Emma Fenlon
Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner
Countess of Chester Hospital
VACOped
“We have used the VACOped boot for our patients with Achilles tendon ruptures since we implemented a standardised functional rehabilitation protocol approximately 2 years ago. Based on the literature I am confident this boot is providing more ankle plantarflexion at the ankle joint compared to a standard boot with wedges. The training and support from the company representative is very good and anecdotally patients appear to find this more comfortable”
Mr Ben Hickey
Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Wrexham Maelor Hospital
VACOped
‘I am writing to recommend the use of Vacoped boots as a part of management for patients with tendoachilles ruptures. Tendoachilles ruptures require careful mobilisation either treated conservatively or postoperatively to ensure optimal healing.
Based on my experience and current medical literature, Vacoped boots have proven to be an effective and reliable choice in facilitating a controlled and supportive environment for the recovery of patients undergoing surgery for tendoachilles ruptures. The Vacoped boots offer adjustable dorsiflexion and plantarflexion settings, allowing for a gradual and customizable transition during the rehabilitation process. This flexibility and weight bearing option is the reason why patients like them and hence better compliance. It is crucial in adapting to individual patient needs and ensuring a comfortable and controlled recovery.
I have witnessed positive outcomes in patients who have used Vacoped boots who are treated conservatively or post-surgery.
I have also used the boot for Post operative care for my patients having Haglund excision, TA reconstruction and also for patients post FHL transfer.
Vacoped boots functional bracing and enhanced rehabilitation has also helped me provide a safe pathway for TA rupture patients who could be managed effectively by Specialist nurse and physiotherapist.’
Mr Satish Janipireddy
Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust
VACOped
“My experience with the OPED products and the company has been excellent. The VACOped boot transformed the way we treat Achilles tendon ruptures at our Trust. It has enabled us to make a business case for conservative management of all patients with this condition and eradicated the need for surgery completely.
My patients provide fantastic feedback on their experience of treatment with the VACOped boot. The design structure of the boot support the limb in the corrected position whilst being comfortable and easy to use. The mechanism never fails, it is of very good quality.
Service provision is excellent. Boots arrive straight away once ordered and the OPED representative for our Trust contacts us regularly and makes face to face visits which really help with communication, seeing new products and training if required. He acts immediately if we need support and suggests alternative products which may be helpful in the treatment of other foot and ankle conditions. “
Dawn Lockey
Specialist Physiotherapist, Limb Reconstruction Service
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
VACOped
“We have been managing all our Achilles rupture patients with the VACOPED boot for the last 2 years . We have seen fantastic clinical outcomes and are really pleased with the service we have received from OPED. Always provide quick, efficient delivery.”
Damien Buck
Specialist Physio
Bradford Royal Infirmary
VACOped
“We were not happy with the results in using a hinge walking boot for the conservative management of a TA rupture.
since introducing the VACOped into our conservative management of TA ruptures we have seen an improvement in our re rupture rates and a reduction in surgical intervention”
Robert Edgecox
Team Lead MSK Physiotherapist
VACOped
“Tim and the team from OPED have been very supportive during our Trust’s change to the Vacoped boot for conservatively managed Achilles tendon ruptures – very happy with the input and education.”
Sarah Johnson-Lynn
Orthopaedic Consultant – South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
VACOped
‘’We have used the VACOPED boot regularly for the past 4 years for TA rupture management. Clinical outcomes have improved as has patient satisfaction and compliance. OPED as a company are always supportive and easy to contact for any queries and we are very happy with the service’’
John Skidmore
Advanced Practitioner MSK Physiotherapist
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
VACOped
“We have been using the VACOped boot for Achilles tendon ruptures on a single site since 2019 and following a successful transition to a physio-led service (proven to be both clinically and cost-effective), we are now rolling the pathway out across the East Kent Trust’s 3 main sites. Feedback from service users has been great regarding the design of the boot, its dynamisation and one’s ability to weight bear immediately. I always recommend extra padding over the dorsum of the foot to reduce pressure areas (this works effectively), and any faulty products (albeit rare) are replaced very quickly. I would highly recommend. “
Laura Bennett
Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner – Lower Limb
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
VACOped
“I would just like to thank Tim from OPED for all his help during our recent move the VACOped boot for our Achilles pathway. We now have an Early Rehab Protocol which we hope will give us better clinical outcomes. From staff education to customer service I cannot fault Tim and the team at OPED, Thank you.”
Kevin McCloskey
Senior Charge Nurse
Trauma and Orthopaedics
Forth Valley Royal Hospital
VACOped
“The innovative VACOped boot has revolutionised the non-surgical management of Achilles tendon rupture injuries, incorporating vacuum cushion technology and angle adjustment over the treatment period from 30 degrees equinus to 0 degrees plantigrade. We introduced the VACOped boot at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) in 2011. Since 2014 1100 patients have been seen in the dedicated Physiotherapy-led clinic, of which 96.7% have been managed non-surgically. Our re-rupture rate is just 1.6% per annum using the VACOped boot in conjunction with the Leicester Achilles Management Protocol (LAMP) and since the pandemic, the Covid-Modified LAMP, with patients self-adjusting their boot at home. We are undertaking research into patient outcomes, though at this stage we are confident that post-injury results are comparable with surgery at one year, with the majority of patients regaining over 85% of their pre-injury function. In our experience during 13 years of using the VACOped boot at UHL, it provides a safe, cost-effective and successful outcome for the non-surgical management of Achilles tendon rupture injuries.”
Annette Jones
Senior Physiotherapist
Leicester Royal Infirmary
VACOped
“We have utilised the VACOped boot since September 2022. Patients adapt well to the provision of the boot with excellent levels of compliance. The VACOped team have been supportive with faultless customer service”.
Suzanne Lane
Senior Physiotherapist
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
VACOped
“As a busy TA rupture service with approximately 200 patients coming through the door in a year, we have had excellent results using the Vacoped boot.
The service provided by Oped is superb. Thanks for your efficiency and support Tim Spruce, Account Manager North Region.”
Paula Goudie
Clinical Physiotherapy Specialist
Royal Liverpool Foundation NHS Trust
VACOped
“The VACOped boot have enhanced the management in how we treat our patients for Achilles Tendon Ruptures (ATR). This boot proves to be an essential piece of equipment as part of our functional rehabilitation protocol. We continue to receive positive feedback from patients who wear this product as part of their treatment for an ATR. The manufacturers OPED support use of this product both to the healthcare professional and the patient.”
Rachael Parkinson
Orthopaedic Practitioner
Aberdeen Emergency Care Centre
Diabetic Range
VACOcast Diabetic
“Vacocasts provide effective, immediate pressure relief in high risk patients and reduce the risk of amputation in this vulnerable group. The VACOcasts are fitted at the first appointment and the patient taught how to remove and re-apply correctly.
When the VACOcast is a suitable option patient feedback has been positive”
Joanne McClennon,
Specialist Podiatrist
Bolton NHS FT.
VACOcast Diabetic
“We use the VACOcast Diabetic boot in both primary and secondary care to guarantee patients are receiving evidence-based offloading at the point of contact. We follow The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) offloading guidelines to ensure best practice and giving the patients better outcomes”.
Keith Hilston
Acute Podiatry Lead
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
VACOpaso
“The VACOpaso Shoe is an ideal shoe for those individuals that require a sturdy rocker bottom shoe that is easy to wear and apply with some offloading incorporated.”
Rachel Berrington
Advance Nurse Practitioner – Diabetes Foot Lead
University Hospitals Leicester
VACOcast Diabetic
“Total contact casting was not sustainable for our locality and the introduction of the OPED VACOcast has enabled us to offer gold standard pressure redistribution to all appropriate patients. If the irremovable VACOcast is not indicated, we can offer optimized offloading in the form of the unlocked VACOcast and the VACOpedes boot. Patients have provided positive feedback and healing times have improved. The support provided by the reps has been first class. Orders are quick and customer service excellent.”
Rachel Crichton
Highly Specialised Podiatrist
NHS Grampian
VACOcast and VACOpedes Diabetic
“In an era where efficiency and quality care are paramount, the VACOcast Diabetic and VACOpedes Diabetic systems set a new standard for clinical excellence. Available on FP10 prescription, they offer clinicians a seamless and hassle-free solution to access best-in-class treatment right at the point of care, whether in primary or secondary settings.
Regardless of your role in the healthcare ecosystem—be it an independent prescriber, a General Practitioner, or a Consultant—accessing top-tier, best-practice treatment has never been more straightforward. Our service is designed to eliminate obstacles, facilitating a smooth, hassle-free experience at every point of contact, whether in primary or secondary care environments.”
Gary Fletcher
Head of Supply Chain
Patient Choice – An Independent NHS Dispensing Appliance Contractor
VACOcast Diabetic
“The Vacocast Diabetic walker boot is an invaluable piece of equipment to have in a Diabetic Foot Clinic. It was particularly useful in the times of COVID when TCCs were not an option. Used for the right patient, and providing the patient is compliant, good wound healing results are achievable.”
Connor Moreton
Principal Orthotist – Leeds
VACOcast Diabetic
“Within our Offloading clinic we did not have the facilities or budget to use Total Contact Casts for off-loading wounds. OPED introduced us to the VACO Diabetic boot. This has been a game changer for staff, and most importantly our Patients. We are now compliant with Gold standard practice in off-loading wounds. They can be prescribed on a FP10 so there is no extra cost to the department, and our outcomes have vastly improved. The company is also extremely helpful and efficient.”
Elka Astley
Specialist Podiatrist
Bolton NHS FT
VACOped Diabetic
“Oped products are essential in managing complex diabetic and vascular lower limb pathologies for our patients.
Flexible in use, available immediately and delivering assurance when risk management is critical.”
Gordon Steel
Consultant Orthotist and Professional Lead in Orthotics at Lancashire teaching Hospitals.
VACOcast Diabetic
‘I have been using Oped VACOcast boots for over 2 years now and appreciated the design immediately.
Having personally worn competitors boots and now worn and prescribed the Vacocast for foot ulcers incl ischemic patients, it is my preferred gold standard offloading product.
The company and Tim are very helpful and the patient outcomes are fantastic.’
Mike Pearson.
Podiatrist
East Cheshire NHS Trust
Trauma Splints & Supports
VACOcast Trauma
“ We have been fitting VACOcast boots to patients in fracture clinic since 2018 and are very pleased with the result. It is the preferred option of our foot and ankle surgeons and the vacuum fitting system means that it is kinder to patients who would not be appropriate for an Airboot due to skin issues or neuropathy. In addition, the unique ability to adjust the length and girth of the boot makes it easier to accommodate different foot lengths and calf sizes compared to standard boots.”
Meirion Grimshaw
Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist
Royal Cornwall Hospital
VACOtalus
“I can highly recommend the VACOtalus brace and I prescribe it regularly for my patients. I have also used it myself on a marathon walk for a troublesome ankle caused by a previous sports injury. It is lightweight, very low profile and comfortable to wear. One major advantage over other braces is the talus strap which helps limit movement in the ankle mortice in addition to the medial and lateral support that the brace provides.”
Robin Elliot – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Specialist in Foot and Ankle Surgery
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
EVENup
EVENup
“We have been using the EVENup for many years at Yeovil Hospital. They are great for levelling up patients using walker boots.
Common problems when patients are using any type of walker boot the unaffected leg will be shorter than the leg in the boot.
We started using them with VACOped boots once the patients were in a neutral position, this helped the patients posture when weight bearing.
We have found using the EVENup with all walker boots helps to prevent hip and knee pain whilst using a walker boot.”
Derrick Howells
Clinical Lead Orthopaedic Practitioner
Yeovil Hospital
EVENup
“The Even-up device provides a simple and effective way to reduce limb length discrepancies while patients are wearing offloading devices on the other limb and helps to reduce musculoskeletal strain on the hip and lower back when walking. The device is well tolerated by patients, easy to use and the difference is noticeable immediately so concordance is good, I highly recommend!”
Nadine Price
Care Pathway Lead for Acute Podiatry
Whipps Cross Hospital
EVENup
“I’ve been using the Even-Up shoe, as recommended by the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), as an effective adjunct for patients using offloading devices such as total contact casts or removable walkers, for several years now. By compensating for leg-length discrepancy, it helps reduce secondary complications such as altered gait mechanics, pelvic tilt, and low back strain. The device is lightweight, adjustable, and easy to apply over most footwear, supporting patient adherence.
From my many years of clinical experience it enhances comfort, supports mobility, and contributes to overall rehabilitation outcomes. The Even-Up is a practical, evidence based solution that aligns with best practice guidelines for diabetic foot management”
Keith Hilston
Podiatry Acute Clinical Lead
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
EVENup
“I recently sustained a rupture of my Achilles tendon and was subsequently prescribed a VACOped boot. As a podiatrist specializing in footwear, offloading techniques, and high-risk foot management, I continued to work despite my injury. However, ambulating with the VACOped boot on one foot and a standard retail trainer on the other resulted in a significant leg length discrepancy. This imbalance led to hip and lower back pain, which adversely affected my ability to work effectively and concentrate, raising concerns about the potential need for time off to facilitate recovery.
After being fitted with an EVENup shoe lift to wear over my retail trainer, I experienced a marked improvement in postural alignment and gait symmetry. The associated discomfort subsided significantly, allowing me to stand and walk with greater ease and to maintain a full workday schedule without interruption.
In my clinical practice, I regularly treat high-risk patients with foot ulcerations who require the use of a VACOcast for effective offloading. However, these devices often create a substantial limb length discrepancy, shifting excess pressure to the contralateral limb. Without the use of an EVENup shoe balancer, many of these patients develop secondary issues, including hip, knee, and back pain.
Based on both personal and professional experience, I consider it essential that an EVENup be routinely issued alongside any VACOcast boot to optimize offloading, preserve musculoskeletal alignment, and prevent avoidable complications”
Evette Rowe BSc (Hons)
Extended Scope Podiatrist (Diabetes)
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
EVENup
“The recommendation to provide a shoe lift to the contralateral limb in an effort to improve the comfort and balance of patients using a knee-high or ankle-high offloading device keeps the focus on treating the patient and not simply treating the ulcer.”
Dr. Ryan Crews
Associate Professor / Clinical Research Scientist
Department of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
EVENup
“I currently work in the Trauma Outpatient Department in the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. I am writing to support the use of and importance of having the EVENup shoe from OPED on the drug tariff.
It is a quick and easy solution to a potential problem that can be prevented”
Claire Granville
Sister – Trauma OPD
John Radcliffe Hospital
EVENup
“The Even-up is a valuable adjunct in the functional rehabilitation of Achilles tendon rupture when using the VACOped boot. The limb height discrepancy caused by the VACOped boot (or boot and wedge system) often results in an altered gait pattern. This can place excessive stress on the contralateral knee, hip, and lumbar spine, increasing the risk of discomfort or injury, particularly in patients with pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions. These issues are increasingly common with the aging demographic, in whom osteoarthritis and joint pathology are more prevalent. By correcting this discrepancy, the Even-up promotes more natural biomechanical loading during walking and reduces the risk of secondary complications. Crucially, a more balanced gait supports consistent, graded loading of the healing Achilles tendon, a recognised cornerstone of tendon repair. For these reasons, the Even-up warrants wider use and NHS adoption as part of a patient-centred, evidence-informed Achilles rupture care pathway”
Paul A. Matthews PhD
Clinical Specialist Research AHP / Clinical Research Physiotherapist
Nottingham University Hospitals
VADOplex
VADOplex
“In our Trust we use Intermittent Impulse Compression (VADOplex) for many years as a standard. The ease of use is key for us because the efficient use of nursing time becomes more and more important. VADOplex is very fast to put on, it can be applied to all patients, also including patients with poor circulation like PAOD and stockings are no longer necessary. Due to the high efficacy and impressive data we have collected in our trust, in most patients this is the only DVT preventing method we use also in patients undergoing high risk procedures.”
Simon Williams – MSc, MCSP, MMACP Advanced Practice Physiotherapist
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Screening Mat
Screening Mat
“We have been using the OPED screening mat for a few months now. This allows us to quickly assess our patients for a number of evidence based outcome measures on a sturdy mat with good grip. it looks great and is easy to move around the department as and when needed.”
Simon Williams – MSc, MCSP, MMACP Advanced Practice Physiotherapist
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Screening Mat
“We have been using the mat for a variety of patients, from stability training and hop testing for knee patients to simply having a more suitable and comfortable surface for shoulder patients to lay on.
It looks great and professional, well purposed for dynamic testing, and beats putting tape on the floor. A great addition to our gym and we use it all the time”
Katie Baines – Clinical Service Manager – Physiotherapy
Circle Winterbourne Hospital
Screening Mat
“The mat has been a great addition to our gym. Our physiotherapy team has found it particularly helpful for objective assessments, especially given the high number of knee and ankle patients we treat. It saves valuable time by streamlining measurement and test setup, which would otherwise be more manual and time-consuming.
Patients also enjoy engaging with the mat during their assessments, which adds to the overall positive experience.
Due to its size, we’ve found it most practical to keep the mat in a fixed position in our gym. This works well for us, but may require consideration in smaller spaces. But overall, it’s proving to be a very useful and time-saving tool in our practice”
Filippo Parisi – Deputy Clinical Services Manager, Physiotherapy
Blackheath Hospital
Screening Mat
“The screening mat has been a great addition to our gym area. Now we can make progress assessments with patients on a smart looking and comfortable surface which offers excellent grip and functionality. An upgrade welcomed by the whole team”
Aris Aala – Physiotherapy Manager
New Hall Hospital