§ Mr. CrausbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the speed of onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration; [128724]
(2) what guidance he has issued on the assessment of treatment options for age-related macular degeneration; and if he will make a statement; [128725]
(3) how many cases of age-related macular degeneration can be treated by photodynamic therapy per annum; [128727]
(4) if he will refer Visudyne to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence; [128728]
(5) what assessment he has made of the efficacy of Visudyne following the publication of the two year clinical trial data; [128729]
(6) what estimate his Department has made of the possible cost of treating age-related macular degeneration with Visudyne; and if he will make a statement; [128780]
(7) what steps he has taken to promote the use of Amsler grid tests with GPs to test for age-related macular degeneration; [128781]
(8) what plans he has to promote the increased use of Amsler grid tests in GP surgeries; [128782]
(9) if he will make a statement on referral protocols for age-related macular degeneration and Visudyne. [128783]
§ Mr. DenhamIt is estimated that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects one in 100 people over the age of 75, with some 500,000 people affected overall. There are two major types of AMD: wet and dry. Some 20 per cent. of patients have 'wet' AMD which is sometimes susceptible to laser treatment. Visudyne is a light-activated compound which has been used in a trial of an alternative photodynamic therapy. Visudyne has not yet been approved for use here or in the other countries of the European Union, but the EU Commission is expected to make a final decision on the approval of an application in the next few months. Visudyne is also among the topics we are considering for appraisal by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) during the remainder of the current year and in later years. We will make an announcement as soon as possible.
Consideration of the need to review arrangements for screening, including wider use of Amsler grid tests, would follow any consideration by NICE.