National Ophthalmology Database Funding boost for new UK AMD Audit

  • 24 May 2021
  • RCOphth

The National Ophthalmology Database (NOD) Audit: Age-Related Macular Degeneration has now received funding for three years, enabling this important programme of long-term research and data gathering to begin.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of sight impairment despite new treatment options. It is estimated to affect 600,000 people in the UK, with 39,800 patients developing “wet” AMD each year.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) audit programme

The Macular Society kindly donated funding to lay the foundations of this new UK wide AMD audit programme. Additional funding from Novartis, Roche and Bayer will help implement and develop the new UK AMD audit over the next three years. The AMD audit will cover the whole of the UK and is led by a dedicated project delivery team and advisory group within NOD. The clinical lead is Martin McKibbin, leading AMD specialist, St. James’ University Hospital, Leeds.

Martin McKibbin explains “This new audit programme will help ensure that we get the best possible clinical outcomes and provide cost-effective patient care. Trusts and other providers commit a huge amount of effort and resource to meeting the growing demand for intra-vitreal injections for AMD and other retinal diseases. We all feel that we are providing high quality care and good clinical outcomes but have little opportunity to compare local outcomes with other sites. This new UK AMD audit will enable providers to compare treatment outcomes for “wet” or neovascular AMD, taking into account differences in baseline characteristics, and to identify the key clinical care processes. The UK AMD audit will bring opportunities to adopt best practice and, where necessary, to redesign local care pathways. Patients will be able to be reassured that every centre is providing high-quality care.”

Participate in this audit

The RCOphth is now inviting centres to participate in this important audit. For more information about how to participate contact: [email protected]

Impact of the Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) audit

Cathy Yelf, Macular Society CEO said “Age-related macular degeneration is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. It is a devastating condition and causes a great deal of fear and uncertainty in those affected. Frequent trips to hospital are a great source of anxiety for many living with the condition. It is so important we ensure these vulnerable patients receive the best possible care. We’re delighted to be able to contribute to this vital piece of work which will help improve services for patients across the UK.”

“Never has it been more important to have data to better understand wet AMD care in the UK. We are thrilled to partner with The Royal College of Ophthalmologists to support the NOD. We believe it will help improve care pathways which will be critical to reduce capacity constraints and to support the NHS build back better.” said Chinmay Bhatt, Managing Director UK, Ireland & Nordics for Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Thom Renwick, Ophthalmology Lead, Roche UK, said, “Supporting such a high-risk group is essential, especially during these extraordinary times. We are excited to back the initiative as capturing this type of data is vital in improving services which transform the lives of people with deteriorating eye health.”

Bernie Chang, President of RCOphth said today “The RCOphth is grateful to the pharmaceutical industry as well as the Macular Society for their generous support of the NOD AMD Audit. As the leading cause of blindness amongst adults in the UK, this work can lead to significant improvements in standards as well as equity of access to timely treatment. I know the audit is in capable hands and hope every eye unit will participate in data submission.”