Eye Go-Ahead
July 30, 2007
FUNDING for a new eye treatment which can prevent blindness in elderly people has been given the go-ahead.
Health chiefs in the North East have agreed to pay for Lucentis, a treatment for aged-related macular degeneration, from Wednesday.
Using the treatment could cost primary care trusts in the region as much as pounds 3m between them every year and Chris Reed, chief executive of the three North of Tyne primary care organisations, said: “Following talks with specialists, we believe Lucentis can provide major benefits for patients in saving their sight.”
Around 360 patients a year are likely to benefit.
(c) 2007 Evening Chronicle – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.