N.S. may cover expensive vision treatment, health minister says

Nova Scotia’s health minister says the province may start covering the cost of an expensive eye treatment that can help restore vision.

Maureen MacDonald says the province might pay for the drug Lucentis if it can afford the annual $5-million price tag.

"We're reviewing that drug as part of the budget process," MacDonald said.

Lucentis, which is injected into the eye, has proven effective in treating the leading cause of vision loss among Canadians: wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Treatment with the drug can cost $1,600 a month.

Coverage of Lucentis would come as welcome news to Saul Mansour, who says the expensive drug saved his sight.

While pleased with the results, the New Glasgow man is frustrated because he had to personally shoulder the $14,000 bill.

Mansour said he wants the Department of Health to start covering the cost of Lucentis, so that others who face blindness don't have to lose their savings to keep their sight.

"The people who have this affliction are suffering and afraid," he said. "I’d like for them to just get along with it and stop the procrastination. While this is happening, people are going blind and I don't think it's necessary."

Growing support for Lucentis

Christopher Childs, who lost the use of one of his eyes while playing squash as a teenager, is also calling for provincial coverage of Lucentis.

He notes that the province funds expensive cancer drugs that prolong life, so he can't understand why it won't fund Lucentis.

"Time is important but this is potentially bigger in that it may preserve eyesight," said the Halifax resident.