More people living with chronic retina diseases will soon have access to funded treatment closer to home.

Government has agreed to fund Lucentis and Avastin treatments in Yarmouth, Kentville and Bridgewater, through Pharmacare, for patients needing treatment for diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion and wet age-related macular degeneration.

Coverage has already started in Yarmouth, and will begin in Kentville today, July 16. Bridgewater will begin offering funded treatments within the next month.

Halifax, Sydney and Antigonish also offer treatments.

“Travel often poses a significant challenge for people living with retina diseases,” said Leo Glavine, Minister of Health and Wellness. “We worked with our partners in the district health authorities to provide this crucial treatment closer to home for people in the Annapolis Valley, Yarmouth and the South Shore.”

Diabetic macular edema and wet age-related macular degeneration cause fluid to leak into the eye, resulting in blindness. Retinal vein occlusion is caused by restricted blood supply to the eye, and may also lead to blindness.

Patients must be members of the seniors, family or community services Pharmacare programs to receive the coverage. Patients with private insurance will continue to receive coverage through that resource.

To access this treatment, patients should first speak to their ophthalmologist.

Source: Release