New paradigms in the treatment of wet AMD: the impact of anti-VEGF therapy

Abstract

The incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the United Kingdom is increasing with the ageing population. The wet form of this progressive and potentially blinding disease can develop very rapidly and lead to severe loss of central vision and reduction in quality of life, sometimes in just a matter of weeks. Recent advances in the treatment of wet AMD with the licensing of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies, coupled with current guidance from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence have led to a subsequent increase in workload at AMD clinics due to the increased number of patients now eligible for treatment. In addition, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists recommend a 2-week diagnosis to treatment schedule due to the aggressive nature of the disease. The role of the retinal specialist is thus changing, and business management skills are becoming increasingly necessary to obtain the necessary resources to implement the guidance. Through prior experience and formal external evaluation of services at Frimley Park and Harrogate District Hospitals, a number of critical success factors have been developed for optimising treatment pathways in efficient wet AMD clinics.