A revolutionary new medication, vabysmo, is now available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for older Australians suffering from retinal vein occlusion (RVO), a serious eye condition that can lead to significant vision loss. Although RVO cannot be cured, this treatment offers hope for improved eyesight for thousands of patients.
Sushil Pillai, a 60-year-old resident from Sydney’s Inner West, has received injections in his eye for the past three years to regain his vision. Pillai expressed his initial apprehension about the procedure, sharing that his right eye experienced blurriness and difficulty focusing due to the condition.
RVO is primarily seen in individuals over the age of 60 and can cause a range of vision problems, including blurred sight and altered colour perception. Currently, around 20,000 Australians are affected by RVO, with this number on the rise. Ophthalmologist Dr Hemal Mehta noted that the condition can severely impact daily activities, including reading and driving.
Vabysmo, which is the first injectable treatment aimed at addressing the blockage causing RVO, has previously only been accessible through clinical trials. The Australian federal government has now included the drug in the PBS, significantly reducing the cost from $934 per treatment to just $7.70 for pensioners and concession card holders, and $31.60 for other patients.
Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted that vabysmo not only demonstrates higher effectiveness compared to existing treatments but also offers the convenience of potentially longer intervals between injections. Dr Mehta added that the introduction of this drug marks a significant advancement in the treatment of RVO.