The College welcomes NHS England’s new guidance for treating wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). This consensus-based pathway aims to optimise treatment while expanding use of more cost-effective medicines within the NHS.
We remain committed to supporting the highest standards of ophthalmic care for patients in the UK. Saving people’s sight is important for national wellbeing, quality of life and maintaining a productive society and economy.
We urge commissioners and clinicians to review this guidance, and consider the full range of treatment options available to patients.
Clinical decisions should deliver a cost-effective wAMD pathway that can alleviate strain on the healthcare system and decrease the time and resources that patients and their families must dedicate to receiving injections.
Key call to action points:
- Equal access to treatment: NHS commissioners should ensure equal access to all available treatments across the country.
- Consider whole system costs: Healthcare providers should evaluate the complete cost picture including staff time and disposables, not just medication costs, when making treatment decisions.
- Prioritise patient-centred care: Treatment decisions should consider patient burden and quality of life factors.
- Reduce healthcare system strain: Appropriate use of more cost-effective treatments can help alleviate growing pressure on the healthcare system while reducing time and resource commitments for patients and families.
- Uphold NHS principles: Ensure equality of care and patient choice by addressing current treatment accessibility discrepancies across regions.
Related resources:
- Wet age-related macular degeneration – The NHS Biosimilar Hub – Futures (Please note: this information is hosted on the NHS Biosimilars Hub on NHS Futures and can be accessed using an NHS email account.)
- The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (2021). Commissioning Guidance Age Related Macular Degeneration Services.
- The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (2025) Third report of age-related macular degeneration audit