Optometrists alerted to fast-track AMD care

Community optometrists have been called upon to follow their local referral pathways to help save the sight of wet AMD patients as part of a campaign by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

A new report by the charity found that 69 per cent of wet AMD cases were being diagnosed outside of the recommended seven days.

The RNIB also called on Local Professional Networks for Eye Health to review local referral procedures to ensure patients had rapid access to diagnosis and wet AMD services.

The RNIB's Don't lose sight! Don't delay! report forms part of the charity's Save our Sight (SOS) campaign, and found that 74 per cent of wet AMD patients had their first contact with a community optometrist.