Other documents and conferences

Hepatitis B – telbivudine; Technology appraisal

Macular degeneration (age-related) - ranibizumab and pegaptanib; Technology appraisal

Pregnancy (rhesus negative women) - routine anti-D; Technology appraisal

Treatment Centres

Treatment Centres (TCs) offer safe, fast, pre-booked day and short-stay surgery and diagnostic procedures in areas that have traditionally had the longest waiting times, such as ophthalmology and orthopaedics. TCs will play an important part in modernising the NHS and delivering a patient-centred health service. Whether NHS-run or managed by companies in the independent sector, the additional capacity TCs provide will be crucial in bringing down waiting times and giving patients more choice about when and where they are treated.

Eye care

PCTs have an increasing role to play in commissioning a wide range of community based services for patients with chronic eye conditions. In the National Eye Care Services Steering Group's first report it has made recommendations for PCTs in commissioning services for glaucoma, cataract services, low vision services and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). A new step by step guide has been produced to support Commissioners.

(Published October 2007, 64 pages)

Commissioning toolkit for community based eye care

This DH document provides PCTs and practice based commissioners with practical advice on commissioning community based eye care services. It draws on evidence that has emerged from the evaluated pilot pathways (glaucoma; age-related macular degeneration (AMD); low vision) that were set up following the work of the Eye Care Services Steering Group. It also fits within the wider commissioning framework.

(Published 17/01/07 2007, 60 pages)