Eye surgeons from across India, have reported a significant increase in patients seeking expensive eye injections for retinal disorders since these treatments were incorporated into health insurance coverage in September 2019.
These eye injections, known as anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor), are vital lifelong treatments for retinal disorders such as diabetic macular edema and age-related macular degeneration. They represent the sole beacon of hope for patients as these conditions could lead to permanent vision loss without timely and consistent treatment. Studies suggest that an alarming 1.1 crore patients in India suffer from retinal disorders, necessitating extended anti-VEGF injection therapy. However, nearly half of these patients not covered by government schemes have now found solace in their health insurance policies, which have embraced anti-VEGF injections. This surge in coverage is a clear testament to the profound impact of insurance accessibility on medical treatment. Dr. Aditya Kelkar, the distinguished chief eye surgeon at the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) in Pune, underscores the significance of this development: "The inclusion of anti-VEGF injections in health insurance has positively transformed treatment accessibility. It empowers patients to access these crucial injections, which may have otherwise been financially out of reach."
To further underscore the importance of comprehensive eye ailment coverage, Dr. Lalit Verma, Director of Retina Services at the Centre for Sight in Delhi, comments, "The incorporation of anti-VEGF injections into health insurance represents a pivotal moment in broadening access to advanced treatments for retinal disorders. This progressive step has significantly improved the uptake of these treatments and, more importantly, enhanced patient treatment compliance."
As awareness about the availability of these injections within health insurance continues to grow, eye surgeons and healthcare experts anticipate a surge in patients seeking this crucial coverage. It is anticipated that such coverage will lead to better vision outcomes for countless individuals. The extent of insurance coverage for these treatments may vary depending on individual policies, making it all the more essential for insurers to consider introducing specialized health insurance products tailored specifically for eye ailments. By doing so, insurers can contribute significantly to improving the overall quality of life for patients suffering from retinal disorders.
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