If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of AMD, please get your eyes checked by your local optician as soon as possible, as early intervention is vital when it comes to treating this condition.
Your optician will conduct a thorough sight test and eye examination to check the quality of your vision. If your optician suspects you have wet AMD, they will place you through a ‘rapid referral’ process to attend an AMD assessment clinic. You will receive a call or letter with an appointment within two weeks.
If your optician suspects you have wet AMD, you will be referred to one of SpaMedica’s specialist AMD clinics for an initial assessment. We know this can be a worrying time, so rest assured, our specialist AMD team will be on hand to give you a warm welcome, guide you through the assessment process, and answer any questions you may have.
During your assessment, we’ll use some drops to dilate your eyes. This causes blurred vision and sensitivity to light, so you’ll need to arrange for someone to take you to and from your appointment as you won’t be able to drive.
Our specialist team will check your vision and eye pressure, so please bring your glasses with you if you wear them. We’ll also take some magnified colour photos of the back of your eye.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions and will be supported throughout your appointment.
At the same appointment, the results will be discussed with you by one of our retinal specialist practitioners, including your personalised treatment plan to help slow the progression of the condition.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to your initial assessment, so you know exactly what to expect:
Vision check – One of our friendly Healthcare Technicians (HCTs) will measure your vision – using a similar chart used by your optician.
Dilating pupils – The HCT will then place some eye drops in both eyes to dilate your pupils. This allows a more comprehensive examination of your eye. It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes for your pupils to dilate. Dilating your pupils affects your vision and sensitivity to light, so you will not be able to drive yourself home after the appointment.
Ocular imaging – We will take a magnified colour photograph of the back of the eye and a scan, also known as optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Consultation – Once all the relevant images have been taken, one of your retinal specialist practitioners will review these and discuss the findings with you, including your personalised treatment plan. If you are happy to go ahead with treatment, we will ask you to sign a consent form. If you have lasting power of attorney (LPA) or require assistance, please let us know. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions.
Would you like a chaperone? It’s your choice. This can be a family member, friend or a trained member of staff. Please let us know upon arrival if you would like someone to accompany you for examination or consultation.
Based on your individual condition, our clinicians will create a personalised treatment plan which consists of three phases.
AMD treatment - which involves injecting a drug called anti-VEGF into the affected eye to slow down the growth of abnormal blood vessels - is usually delivered over the course of several months, but your treatment plan will be tailored specifically to you.
AMD is a condition that can be managed, but unfortunately not cured, and it can be difficult to adjust to long-term changes in your vision. Fortunately, there’s lots of help available to help make your day-to-day life a little easier – from financial support, to assistive technology.
SpaMedica benefits from a team of dedicated Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs), who provide practical and emotional support to people living with sight loss.
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