Clinical Policies Directory TNRF1: Ophthalmology
These pages provide a web friendly version of the Treatments not routinely funded one policy (CLIN02 Treatments Requiring Individual Funding Applications TNRF1).
Go to Policies and Processes page (Clinical policies section) of this website to read the full policy.
Arteriovenous crossing sheatotomy for branch retinal vein occlusion (surgery to separate artery and vein to improve blood flow)
Overview
Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a blockage in a branch retinal vein of the eye and is usually associated with high blood pressure. In an arteriovenous crossing sheatotomy, the artery and the vein are separated from each other using a very small blade to cut away the sheath that they share. The aim of the procedure is to improve blood flow in the vein, reduce surrounding swelling (oedema) and improve sight.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded. If NHS clinicians undertake this procedure as part of a research project, NHS Surrey Heartlands should be notified and informed of research governance arrangements.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Excimer laser surgery for short sight/long sight or Astigmatism (laser surgery to treat myopia, astigmatism and long sightedness)
Overview
Excimer laser surgery (also known as refractive surgery) covers a number of surgical procedures which involve using a laser to reshape a patient’s cornea. The surgery is designed to treat imperfect vision resulting from eye conditions such as myopia, astigmatism, long sightedness.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.
Xanthelasma (yellow growths on or near the eyelids)
Overview
Xanthelasma are yellow growths on or near the eyelids. They can be flat or slightly raised.
Thresholds and eligibility
This procedure is not routinely funded.
Resources
Treatments not routinely published policy (TNRF1)
Additional information
If a clinician is able to demonstrate that their patient’s individual clinical circumstances are clearly different to those of other patients, they have the option of submitting an Individual Funding Request (IFR) application to the Effective Commissioning Initiative team at NHS Surrey Heartlands via the Blueteq database.
Simply put, the consideration is whether it is fair to fund their patient’s treatment when the treatment is not available to others.