Quality standard published for wet AMD patients

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published its first quality standard looking at serious eye disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts and the prevention of sight loss.

The quality standard, which the Macular Society has officially supported, outlines how diagnosis should be made and the discussion that should take place with the patient and their carers.

It recommends that adults with wet and active, late AMD start treatment within 14 days of referral to the macular service and also that adults with wet and active late AMD have monitoring for both eyes.

NICE recognises that levels of achievement for the standard will vary nationally and recommends that desired levels of achievement should be defined locally, taking account of safety, shared decision-making, choice and professional judgement.

However, Cathy Yelf, chief executive of the Society, said it was important all NHS trusts implement the new quality standard.

She said: “While we appreciate the strain the NHS is under in many areas, it is so important the quality standard is implemented by all NHS trusts across the country. This has come out of a long and carefully considered process and it is crucial to identify areas of poor performance or reduced patient safety, especially at a time when services are stretched.”

Download or view the NICE serious eye disorders quality standard