The Issue
Retinal diseases, including Age-related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy, cause irreversible vision loss in about 2 million Canadians.
An emerging trend in Canada is the use of biosimilars as a cost-saving alternative treatment to biologics in rheumatology, gastroenterology, oncology, dermatology and other treatment areas. Recent policies across Canada suggest that biosimilars will soon be entering the field of ophthalmology, however there are currently no guidelines and clinical data available on the appropriate use when it comes to vision loss treatment.
While biosimilars may be an emerging treatment option in ophthalmology, there remain concerns on the limited guidelines and patient education. Should biosimilars be an alternative in the future in the treatment of retinal diseases in the future, patients and health care providers must be equipped with the latest current evidence-based information.
The time to raise awareness about biosimilars in ophthalmology is now.
The Eye See You (ESY) Biosimilars in Ophthalmology Program is committed to:
Awareness
Raising awareness about emerging vision-related policies
Education
Facilitating timely access to educational resources regarding biosimilars
Connection
Connecting Canadians to experts and thought leaders in vision health;
engagement
Creating opportunities for Canadians to engage in discourse surrounding biosimilars in ophthalmology.
Retinal diseases including Age-related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy cause irreversible vision loss in about 2 million Canadians.
The goal of IFA in relation to vision and healthy ageing is to help ensure safe and appropriate treatments that are accessible to all Canadians. There is a growing trend worldwide to explore the use of biosimilars rather than biologics in various therapeutic areas.
Vision Health
Vision Health and Healthy Ageing | IFA Vision Health Month Statement
May is Vision Health Month, and the IFA is committed to advancing the rights of older people by influencing policy towards making integrated people-centred eye care (IPCEC) a reality, which is integral to universal health coverage.
The IFA’s Vision Health Portfolio, which consists of the DR Barometer and the EyeSeeYou programs, focuses on addressing gaps and exploring the latest trends in treatment and outcomes related to diabetes-related vision complications and age-related macular degeneration.
The Portfolio’s Statement is now available here.
Take action
A trusted partnership between the patient and physician sets the foundation for the best possible outcome.
We live in the information age and have access to excellent resources to help inform our decisions and take an active role in our own healthcare.
Whether you have an interest in or personal connection to the issue of eye health; want to follow the conversation as you get older or for a loved one or friend; whether you suffer from vision loss or are a healthcare professional devoted to providing the best therapeutic options for your patients – here is the opportunity to shine a light on a critical health issue.
If you suffer from vision loss or are concerned about the issue:
If you are a Canadian physician, we urge you to: