Introduction of a nurse–led intravitreal injection service in ophthalmology

Anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) agents are useful for a variety of previously untreatable eye conditions; indications for their use are increasing. As this treatment evolved from cutting-edge to mainstream NHS practice, it resulted in a significant increase in appointments for intravitreal (IVT) injections, clinical assessment and follow-up, and hence an increasing challenge to ensure its timely availability to all who needed it. In addressing that challenge, NHS Lothian successfully initiated an advanced nurse practitioner IVT service in addition to its medical IVT service, which has increased its capacity to provide the requisite high-quality care to this patient group.