View from FODO: Better care for AMD patients

The new NICE guideline on age-related macular degeneration – diagnosis and management is extremely welcome.

First and foremost it should ensure better and more consistent care for patients. The guideline is also an important step in the development of new integrated models of delivery across primary, community and hospital services in line with modern clinical practice.

The definitions, referral criteria and management advice are extremely helpful and patients will be reassured about the focus on active engagement in their own care and the recognition that they often have to cope with other long-term illnesses at the same time.

Also pleasing is the recognition that AMD patients are at high risk of depression and the recommendation for early certification.