The Valeda Light Delivery System

The technology has been applied in the medical profession for a while, in certain arthritic conditions and for certain neurological conditions, and in things like soft tissue injuries. Through this product, it is the first time that this technology has been applied to the eyes, to try and help with conditions such as dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

We have had the Valeda in practice for almost a year now. Food and Drug Administration approval [in the US] was granted in late 2024, and we subsequently had the system delivered to practice. We have been using it ever since and now have a years’ worth of patient data.

Benefits for both practice and patient

For patients, there is a big, meaningful impact of this treatment. In the past, there have been very minimal therapeutic options for patients with dry AMD. Historically, we have only been able to offer them nutritional supplements and advice on UV protection. Now, we can say, ‘this system could potentially stabilise your vision.’

That future may previously have been pretty grim for some people – but now, there is some hope. Some patients who have already started treatment elsewhere had been travelling for hours, sometimes, to attend clinic appointments, multiple times a week. To have it locally in this area, and to reach out to the local community – it has been super exciting to be able to offer that specialist service.

As a practice, we have been expanding our scope with specialist services. Having the Valeda has positioned us as a forward-thinking practice, offering innovative treatment and taking on board exciting new technologies that might benefit our patients, alongside new clinical developments. It is strengthening the confidence base for the patients that see us, and that is really valuable.

Spreading awareness of new treatment

We need to get the word out there that there is a treatment for dry AMD available. When we first had this equipment, I reached out to a lot of the ophthalmologists in the local area, but I feel there are still some ophthalmologists that are not aware that this is available.

Unfortunately, the Valeda is not yet available to patients under the NHS. But there are multiple optometry practices across the country that are starting to offer this treatment. It is about getting that awareness out there, not only to primary care, but also to secondary care.

Finding suitable patients

In terms of challenges, one of the main ones is patient suitability, because the Valeda is not ideal for all forms of dry AMD. Ideally, it is aimed at patients who may have early or intermediate stages of the condition, where we’re going to notice the best benefits.

It is also about explaining to the patient and meeting their expectations of what we expect with the treatment. It is not a cure – it is trying to stabilise the condition and prevent it progressing as much as we can. Patient education is key, as is suitability.

The other challenge is time. A lot of the patients who are suitable for this treatment are elderly, which means they may have mobility constraints. The treatment involves nine appointments over a three to four-week period, so if a patient relies on others to bring them to the practice, that can be a little bit challenging. The appointments need to be on non-consecutive days, and we’re trying to keep to a three or four-week time period, mirroring the studies that this is all based on, to get the best outcomes.