Greater transparency on AMD waiting lists needed, Newmedica says

Greater transparency is needed on the waiting lists for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) follow-up care, Newmedica has said.

The independent hospital group has asked the NHS to publish waiting list data so that it can better understand the level of demand for AMD treatment.

Better understanding would improve patient outcomes, assist in health service planning, and help to prevent avoidable sight loss, Newmedica said.

Rupal Morjaria, a consultant ophthalmologist at Newmedica Leicester and an expert in macular degeneration, said: “The number of people with late AMD is set to increase by 24.4% in the coming years, according to the UK Eye Care Data Hub. It underlines why action is needed on this issue.”

Newmedica provides NHS and private AMD services, including anti-VEGF treatments for wet AMD, across England.

The hospital group also works with Sight Research UK on innovations in dry AMD treatment and research.

The call comes as AMD Awareness Month is marked throughout February.

Morjaria added: “It’s the right time to renew calls for more transparent recording and sharing of NHS waiting list data for AMD follow-ups. Better data will drive improved planning and help save sight.”

She noted that the eye health sector, including community optometry, must work together to improve AMD outcomes, utilising its collective expertise and readily available capacity.

“Collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology is essential,” Morjaria said.

She added: “Community optometry is central to our sector’s collective response. Our primary care colleagues do an amazing job caring for patients, often picking up AMD during regular eye examinations, before referring on to secondary care experts such as Newmedica. I would like to thank them and recognise their expertise.”

She emphasised that Newmedica “will also continue to champion patients and the power of collaboration in our engagement with policy makers.”