College reacts to CCGs Avastin appeal

Calls for the use of Avastin to treat age-related macular degeneration have been welcomed by the College of Optometrists, as it backed further debate on the subject.

The College commented in response to an appeal from the clinical leaders of 120 Clinical Commissioning Groups to make Avastin routinely available to people with wet AMD (News 27.02.15).

David Parkins, president of the College of Optometrists, said: ‘The College of Optometrists welcomes the NHS Clinical Commissioners call to the Department of Health, NHS England and General Medical Council for Avastin to be used off licence to treat wet age-related macular degeneration in place of Lucentis, and for the £102m in savings that could be made every year to be re-invested in the frontline delivery of eye health services in the interest of the patients.