Novartis launches ‘See What’s Next’, a disease awareness campaign to support people with wet AMD to remain independent for longer

• Wet AMD is a condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated¹. Supported by the Macular Society, the See What’s Next campaign empowers and equips the wet AMD community to better manage the disease and maintain independence for longer
• Website hosts practical tips and tools to support people living with AMD and those who care for them manage daily life with the condition
• Data reveals drop in referrals and attendance of wet AMD eye appointments during COVID-19 pandemic^2,3, making it essential that people with wet AMD take an active role in managing their disease so they can continue doing the things they love for longer

London, UK. 00:01 BST, 31 March 2021 – Novartis, in collaboration with the Macular Society, today launched See What’s Next, a disease awareness campaign to empower people living with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) to take an active role in the management of their disease so they can maintain their independence for longer. In the UK, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of avoidable sight loss⁴, with nearly 40,000 people developing the ‘wet’ form – or wet AMD – every year⁵, which worsens over time and can lead to vision loss if left untreated¹.

Wet AMD usually affects people aged 50 and over, and many living with the disease have other significant medical conditions^5,6, which can cause increased vulnerability to COVID-19. During the pandemic, injections for eye conditions such as wet AMD, which can cause severe visual loss if not treated, were deemed essential and despite many ophthalmologists continuing to provide onsite and telemedicine care, people living with wet AMD missed essential support services^2,3. Since the start of the pandemic, scheduled and attended eye appointments are down by approximately a third (30% and 36% respectively) compared to 2019². Additionally, a report, published as a pre-print and awaiting peer review, from some of the largest clinics in the country has showed that during the initial peak of the pandemic in April 2020, the number of new wet AMD referrals fell by 72% on average and up to a quarter (25%) of people with known wet AMD did not attend their treatment appointment³.

Feelings of anxiety and fear brought about by the pandemic⁷, as well as a need to shield³ along with changes in the AMD services, are some of the key reasons thousands of people have missed or cancelled their eye appointments^2,3.

“Treatment is vital to slowing the progression of wet AMD and to help people living with the condition to maintain as much vision as possible, so whether it’s for emergency advice, monitoring or treatment, it’s important to attend all essential eye appointments,” said Robin Hamilton, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Macular Society Trustee. “I want to assure patients that measures have been implemented to ensure our clinics are safe, so people should come forward for their checks and treatment when called to do so. I would encourage people living with AMD and their carers to make use of resources such as those featured on the See What’s Next website to help them with day-to-day living and how to monitor any changes in vision from home.”

With the launch of See What’s Next, Novartis with the support of the Macular Society, is sharing practical information to help people with wet AMD manage daily activities and look out for signs of disease progression at home, as well as providing tips and tools for preparing for in-person and virtual appointments with their eye specialist.

“Vision loss caused by wet AMD can have a devastating impact on people living with the disease and their friends and family. It makes everyday activities such as reading and recognising faces more difficult and presents unique challenges that can be life-altering and isolating,” said Cathy Yelf, Chief Executive of the Macular Society. “During this particularly difficult period in which many have been shielding and possibly missing appointments, we’re excited to support Novartis with the launch of See What’s Next. We hope it will help people with wet AMD to navigate life with this chronic condition, in lockdown and beyond.”

The See What’s Next website (seewhatsnext.co.uk) provides practical resources to help people living with wet AMD and the friends or family who care for them better manage their condition, from tips on daily living, such as adaptations to make in the home, to advice for preparing and staying safe at appointments. The website also hosts a short questionnaire, which based on responses produces a tailored discussion guide including prompts to help patients maximise the time with their eye specialist at virtual or in-person appointments.  

“It’s more important than ever for people living with wet AMD to have access to information and resources to enable meaningful conversations with their eye specialist,” said Chinmay Bhatt, Managing Director UK, Ireland & Nordics for Novartis Pharmaceuticals. “We are proud to be reimagining how people living with wet AMD and those who care for them are supported, even during these exceptional times, so they can be better prepared for daily life with their disease and continue to do the things they love for longer.”