NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB regularly reviews its clinical policies to ensure they reflect the latest evidence-based guidance and best practice. This is a rolling programme and sometimes results in changes being made to the policies.
We are currently reviewing the Photorefractive laser eye surgery for the correction of refractive error policy and would welcome your views on the proposed changes.
Visual refractive error is a common eye condition. It causes what people see to become blurred and often become what is known as short-sighted, long-sighted or astigmatism.
It is usually treated using glasses or contact lenses.
Photorefractive surgery (PRS), is also known as laser eye surgery. The procedure uses lasers to remove part of the cornea (part of the eye) that then grows back correcting the issue.
The policy aims to manage inappropriate referral and procedure activity in line with evidence-based best practice.
Currently, NHS Lancashire & South Cumbria ICB does not fund the procedure.
The current policy can be found at: https://www.healthierlsc.co.uk/application/files/1916/7576/5522/LSCICB_Clin08_Policy_for_Photorefractive_Surgery_for_the_Correction_of_Refractive_Error_v1.2.pdf
The new policy says the ICB will still not routinely fund the procedure but allows one exception. It will be allowed for people who have a refractive error caused by other eye surgery or after a cornea transplant IF the problem is not solved by using glasses or contact lenses.
Overall, this should mean that more people are able to have the surgery but still only when it is absolutely necessary.
You can read the full new wording below:
New wording in full:
1. The ICB does not routinely commission photorefractive surgery for the correction of refractive error
An additional exclusion should be added as follows:
Patients who have a refractive error arising from non-refractive ophthalmic surgery or corneal transplantation, and whose refractive error cannot be corrected by the use of glasses or contact lenses, are excluded from this policy.