Maculopathies still outside essential levels: 'Sight is neither looked at nor listened to'
A reference to this serious visual impairment is missing in the update of the National Health Service treatment
by Massimo Ligustro*
Yet, maculopathies are not included in the new Lea. Despite all the work done, despite the requests, the proposals, the testimonies. It is as if sight were a privilege, not a right. We look elsewhere, we prefer to talk about problems that can be 'resolved in a day', such as cataracts, and we close our eyes to those who need continuous care, care, and serious policies. We expected at least a word, a signal, a gesture of responsibility. Instead, nothing. Everyone is silent. It is more comfortable to ignore what cannot be resolved quickly. But maculopathies do not heal. And those who suffer from them cannot wait.
In addition to this, there are regional inequalities. In some regions, such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, old generation drugs are still administered, while innovative ones are not provided. This is not just a health problem. It is an act of injustice. It is like saying that sight is worth less than other diseases. We have asked, written, participated, proposed. We have done our part. But the answer is always the same: they do not look at us, they do not listen to us. We are in the dark. And perhaps it suits some people that we remain there. Because not seeing also means not spending.
But we will not give up. We will continue to speak out, to inform, to knock on the doors of politics and institutions. Because if an untreated patient is a euro saved, this is no longer acceptable. Maculopathies exist. Patients exist. And they deserve respect. Sight is a right. Not a luxury. Not a detail. Not a shadow to be ignored.
*Chairman Macula Committee
