Eye hospital group Optegra has launched a dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) monitoring service at one of its clinics.
The private ophthalmic unit at Optegra Birmingham Eye Hospital began offering the service this month.
It offers patients a one-hour consultation including an eye examination and autofluorescence retinal imaging. This is followed by a six-month check-up with an optometrist before a final 12-month review at the hospital.
Consultant ophthalmologist Professor Jonathan Gibson said: 'Many patients that we see in the NHS with dry AMD are understandably anxious to know if their condition is worsening or if they might be at risk of developing wet AMD, and ask if they can be monitored on a regular basis.
'Although currently there is no treatment available for dry AMD, many patients would like to be regularly assessed. The NHS cannot effectively offer this at present, given the other demands placed on it in busy eye clinics.
'We have realised that there is an opportunity to support our patients - both medically and emotionally - by setting up a new service where they can be jointly managed by consultant ophthalmologists at Optegra in conjunction with their own optometrists in the community, and so providing regular monitoring.'
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