Perspectives on the wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (wet AMD) patient journey
In recent years, there have been significant advances in the treatment of wet AMD and many examples of good practice across the country. Why then are people are still losing their sight from a treatable condition?
To answer this question, RNIB commissioned The Campaign Company to undertake a major piece of research to look at the issues from the perspective of patients, carers, clinicians, commissioners and other health care professionals.
Key findings
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Far too many people are unaware of wet AMD and the need to act urgently upon noticing symptoms.
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Less than one third (31 per cent) of patients were diagnosed within seven days as recommended by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
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As a result of inadequate capacity in eye clinics, monitoring and treatment intervals are being extended in many centres leading to sub-optimal treatment.
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Commissioning of wet AMD services could be done much better
Recommendations
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Optometrists and GPs should make "every contact count" by educating at-risk patients about the need to seek rapid professional help if they notice changes to their visionPrimary and secondary care professionals should make patients aware of the time a diagnosis should take as well as the treatment pathway as there is a much better chance they will act if the system fails them.
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Staff meetings in opticians and GP practices should be used to inform and refresh all team members about the signs and symptoms of wet AMD, the need to act rapidly, and what rapid referral procedures are in place locally
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There is considerable scope to innovate and provide treatments in more cost effective ways. Eye clinics should review their clinic procedures as well as best practice approached from across the country.
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Commissioners should use good quality data to inform decisions and design more effective rapid referral pathways
Download the report
Don't lose sight! Don't delay! report (Word, 490KB)
Don't lose sight! Don't delay! report (PDF, 438KB)