Delay in tackling blindness leaving thousands blind - UK

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 04 Mar 2004 - 0:00 PDT


The Royal Institute for the Blind says there are at least 50 centres in the UK which are ready to provide photodynamic therapy. The eyesight of thousands of people could be saved.

However, the National Health Service (NHS) is dragging its feet. There has been a six-month delay in making photodynamic therapy available to NHS patients suffering from macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly.

Mr. Michael Howard, leader of the Conservative party, confronted Tony Blair (Prime Minister) yesterday in the House of Commons over this six month delay.

He could not understand why the NHS says staff shortages are to blame for the delay if the National Institute for the Blind says that 50 centres are ready to carry out the therapy.

As a result of this delay, 2,800 people could go blind in the next few months.

The cost of treating macular degeneration is around �1500 per patient ($2500). If treated early enough, patients with macular degeneration can have their eyesight saved.

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