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Thousands to get the sight saving treatment they have fought for

Summary: The latest update following news that sight-saving treatment is now available to all on the NHS

Latest news

Justice for thousands in England and Wales

After a two-and-a-half-year campaign, the long awaited final guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) - the Government's drug rationing body, has now been issued. At last wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) sufferers in England and Wales will receive sight-saving treatment for free.

Steve Winyard, head of campaigns at RNIB is thrilled with the outcome.

"It is a victory for thousands, bringing overwhelming relief to desperate people across the country."

A breakthrough for wet AMD sufferers in the UK

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the UK, with wet AMD leading to sight loss in as little as three months if left untreated. The final guidance from NICE follows months of campaigning and over 13,000 signatures of support from people like you. The guidance means that people with wet AMD who need treatment will now receive it for free on the NHS. After months of campaigning by RNIB, vital treatment for wet AMD is now available for all on the NHS.

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the UK, with wet AMD leading to sight loss in as little as three months if left untreated. The final guidance from NICE follows months of campaigning and over 13,000 signatures of support from people like you. The guidance means that people with wet AMD who need treatment will now receive it for free on the NHS.

Sight saving treatment is hugely expensive and previously those in need of treatment had to find up to £20,000 of their own money to cover the costs, or be left to go blind.

The final guidance from NICE means even more people will be spared the devastation of sight loss.

Thank you

Thank you for your supportYour support has helped us to change thousands of lives for the better. It just goes to show what we can achieve when we work together.

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Content author: campaign@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13

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Smokers are twice as likely to develop eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness.




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Jill's story - Jill lost her sight 12 years ago at the age of 19. “The experience left me feeling isolated. I often felt like my life was pointless." Now, as a presenter on Insight Radio, she uses her experiences to help others. “My prayer is that what we do helps those who are going through sight loss. Even the tiniest piece of information can make a huge difference. If my show can help do that, then my journey has not been in vain.” Jill's full story