Injections of anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) medicines can be administered by non-medical healthcare professionals such as nurses to reduce pressure on eye departments, said a revised Royal College of Ophthalmologists statement.
The recommendation applied to medicines administered intraocularly directly through the conjunctiva and sclera using a needle, but would depend on stipulations including training by an ophthalmic specialist doctor.
The College of Optometrists welcomed the statement, adding that the use of non-medical healthcare professionals was a pragmatic solution to increasing demand.
It said nurses were best placed to support the eye service, adding that although optometrists had the skills to take an increasing part in the management of these patients, additional training would be required to give injections.