SpaMedica expands macula service to support more NHS patients living with sight-threatening conditions

100% of AMD patients referred to SpaMedica are offered an assessment within 14 days of referral.

With an estimated two million people currently living with sight loss in the UK, SpaMedica is making eye health services more accessible for NHS patients by expanding both its range of services and the number of hospitals offering treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

SpaMedica is the country’s largest provider of NHS cataract surgery, but also offers a macula treatment service in many of its hospitals. The majority of patients attending this service receive anti-VEGF intravitreal injections (IVI), primarily for treating neovascular AMD. Some SpaMedica hospitals also offer treatment for macular oedema, along with retinal toxicity screening services.

Optometrists in the high street play a vital role in detecting AMD and, where appropriate, referring patients on for sight-saving treatment. Approximately 50,000 patients will be diagnosed with neovascular AMD each year, and seeing these patients quickly is key, as rapid access to treatment can help to stop or slow down the progression of the degenerative condition.

Like many eye diseases, the predicted increases in cases over the next few years is a huge challenge for ophthalmology: neovascular AMD cases alone are predicted to rise by 30% over the next ten years.  This pressure means that offering treatment within the appropriate timescale can be difficult for many providers.

“In fact, according to a report by The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, only 21% of patients typically start AMD treatment within the recommended period of 14 days,” says Amit Nakum, Medical Retina Service Lead at SpaMedica.

“Early intervention and timely injections have been proven to result in better visual outcomes and lower rates of vision loss. At SpaMedica, 100% of our patients are offered their first appointment within 14 days of referral, and over 87% of our patients commence their treatment within 14 days of referral.”

Amit is a hospital optometrist by training, and he remains hands-on, still participating in clinics and seeing patients. The service he leads brings together specialist nurses, optometrists and consultant ophthalmologists to look after thousands of patients each year.

“Our ambition is to partner with the NHS to deliver these vital services, particularly in areas where patients are not being seen on time, providing access to sight-saving injections.”

In addition to its macula treatment service, SpaMedica is one of only a few independent providers to offer a dedicated Sight Support Service to assist patients struggling with sight loss or low vision. The service provides information, advice and guidance to patients who have been diagnosed with sight-threatening conditions, offering both emotional and practical support.

“While very few independent hospitals offer a qualified, in-house Sight Support Service, we have a dedicated and experienced team at SpaMedica, including Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) who are accredited by City University London,” says Amit.

SpaMedica is also committed to providing CPD opportunities for community optometrists. Over the last 12 months, the organisation has helped to upskill over 4,000 optometrists and their teams with a variety of CPD and educational events, with Amit a regular contributor. A recent webinar, attended by over 750 optometrists, focussed on OCT interpretation and enhancing differential diagnosis skills using a variety of cases and images from AMD patients.

Amit believes there will be plenty of opportunities for professional development across the sector as demand for eye health services continues to increase.

“This is a rapidly changing and evolving field. As technology develops and our ability to identify, diagnose and treat certain conditions improves, there will undoubtedly be exciting career and skills development opportunities.”