House of Commons - Health Questions

Macular Degeneration

Sandra Gidley, Lib Dem Shadow Health Minister

Ms Gidley asked: "If she will make a statement on the treatment of age-related macular degeneration?"

She continued: "The Secretary of State will be aware that 57 people start to lose their sight daily through this condition, and the average annual cost of support is £9,500. Given that these therapies are widely regarded as being very effective, is there not a case for fast-tracking the NICE decision so that fewer people go blind?"

The Secretary of State for Health (Ms Patricia Hewitt): All primary care trusts are funding photo dynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration in line with National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance. NICE is appraising Macugen and Lucentis for treating this condition and it expects to publish guidance in October