Response to NICE announcing their positive final guidance for EYLEA® for the treatment of visual impairment due to Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO)
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists welcomes the Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) from NICE recommending EYLEA (aflibercept) as a treatment option for patients with visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and a central retinal thickness of >400 micrometers. We hope that clinical commissioning groups will support the rapid implementation of the guidance so patients
NICE to develop a guideline for the diagnosis and management of cataracts
The Department of Health in England has commissioned the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to develop a guideline for the diagnosis and management of cataracts, with particular focus on the indications for cataract extraction and lens implant errors. Not only will the proposed guideline be of great significance to patients and ophthalmologists in England, but it is likely
New Guidelines for Thyroid Eye Disease
It is estimated that there are about 2,500 new cases of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) every year in the UK. The figures have declined over the past 10-20 years for reasons that are unclear. Nonetheless, far too often TED is undiagnosed for several months, or misdiagnosed as allergy or conjunctivitis, adding to the frustration of
Response to NICE announcing final guidance for Ozurdex® for the treatment of visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema (DMO)
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists welcomes the Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) from NICE recommending Ozurdex® (dexamethasone intravitreal implant) as a clinically and cost effective treatment option for selected patients with visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema (DMO). In the final guidance, dexamethasone intravitreal implant is recommended as a treatment option in people if: the
Adult and Paediatric Anti-TNF policies for Severe Refractory Uveitis not approved for NHS England specialised commissioning
The Royal College of Ophthalmology (RCOphth) and the Clinical Reference Group for specialised ophthalmology services (CRG) regret having to report that the Adult and Paediatric Anti -TNF policies for Severe Refractory Uveitis have not been approved for specialised commissioning. Following this announcement we have met with NHS England to stress how detrimental this decision will