'Eyes can see Clearly now' says Randerson on NICE Decision

10.28.15am GMT Fri 14th Dec 2007

an eye!

NICE has performed a U turn after thousands of complaints and recommended that NHS patients with wet age-related macular degeneration in England and Wales should be eligible for 14 injections of Lucentis per eye.

Welsh Lib Dem spokesperson Jenny Randerson AM said "I am glad that NICE has finally followed Scotland's lead and allowed the drug. The previous guidance was highly restrictive for those who would benefit from the drug.

"Quality of life was not taken into account, the wider costs to the NHS, the patient and society were largely ignored. The RNIB put the numbers in the UK who could benefit from the drug at more than 19,000 so this will make a massive difference to many vulnerable people."

Wet age related macular degeneration is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. Luncentis injected directly in to the eye can alleviate the effects.

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