35: Dry AMD – Hope on the horizon

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK, and the dry form is the most common type of the condition. In this episode, Michelle Hanratty visits a community practice in Harborne, Birmingham, to meet optometrist Bradley Warwick. Brad specialises in dry AMD, so Michelle and Brad discuss how to manage and counsel patients with the condition that currently has no treatment options. Later, one of Brad’s patients, Martin, joins the conversation to discuss how he copes with the gradual progression of dry AMD and geographic atrophy.  Finally, Michelle looks to the future to find some good news: the first treatments for dry AMD became available in the US last year. Clare Bailey, a consultant ophthalmologist at Bristol Eye Hospital, explains how the treatments work, which patients they would be most suitable for and the role that optometrists would play in referring patients. The two treatments are not yet approved for use in the UK, but Clare explains that a decision should be made in 2024. GOC-registered optometrists practising in England, Wales or Northern Ireland can gain 1 CPD point by listening to this podcast and completing the exercise on our website. This episode covers the GOC domains of Communication and Clinical Practice. Docet - dedicated to providing quality optometric education and professional development.