Capturing the lived experiences of patients and healthcare professionals, a new report highlights the significant systemic barriers faced by New Zealanders living with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) or wet AMD.
Commissioned by Eye Health Aotearoa (EHA) and Roche Products New Zealand, the report underscores the need for improvements in early detection, communication and access to support, they said in a joint statement.
The majority of patients surveyed (81%) knew little or nothing about wet AMD before being diagnosed, the report found. Further, two-thirds (67%) of those diagnosed had to travel long distances for treatment, with those in rural areas particularly affected. Patients also reported experiencing feelings of anxiety (23%), compounded by a lack of clear information and limited access to support services, the report said.
EHA board member Dr Francesc March de Ribot said the situation is serious, but change is possible. “Age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common and serious causes of blindness in New Zealand, but we can improve the situation. With early detection and awareness, especially after the age of 50, we can prevent much of the irreversible vision loss we see today. Long-acting treatments are also changing lives by reducing the treatment burden for patients – but only if everyone can access them.”
The landmark report, ‘Identifying health systems constraints and barriers for people living with neovascular age-related macular degeneration’, has caught the attention of national media, with Dr March de Ribot interviewed for the Otago Daily Times, NZ Doctor, Stuff and RNZ’s Morning Report.
