9 Sources of evidence considered by the Committee

A. The Evidence Review Group (ERG) report for this appraisal was prepared by Warwick Evidence:

  • Shyangdan DS, Cummins E, Clar C et al. Aflibercept for treating visual impairment caused by macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion – a single technology assessment. October 2013

B. The following organisations accepted the invitation to participate in this appraisal as consultees and commentators. They were invited to comment on the draft scope. Organisations listed in I were also invited to make written submissions. Organisations listed in II gave their expert views on aflibercept solution for injection for the treatment of macular oedema caused by central retinal vein occlusion by providing a written statement to the Committee. Organisations listed in I, II and III have the opportunity to appeal against the final appraisal determination.

I. Manufacturer/sponsor

  • Bayer

II. Professional/specialist and patient/carer groups:

  • Macular Society

  • Organisation of Blind African Caribbeans

  • Royal College of Nursing

  • Royal College of Ophthalmologists

  • Royal College of Pathologists

  • Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

  • South Asian Health Foundation

III. Other consultees:

  • Department of Health

  • NHS Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group

  • NHS Enfield Clinical Commissioning Group

  • Welsh Government

IV. Commentator organisations (did not provide written evidence and without the right of appeal):

  • Allergan

  • Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group

  • Commissioning Support Appraisals Service

  • Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland

  • Healthcare Improvement Scotland

  • National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme

  • Novartis Pharmaceuticals

  • Roche Products

  • Warwick Evidence

C. The following individuals were selected from clinical specialist and patient expert nominations from the consultees and commentators. They gave their expert personal view on aflibercept solution for injection for the treatment of macular oedema caused by central retinal vein occlusion by providing oral evidence to the Committee.

  • Ian Pearce, Consultant Ophthalmologist, nominated by Bayer – clinical specialist

  • Sobha Sivaprasad, Consultant Ophthalmologist, nominated by Royal College of Ophthalmologists – clinical specialist

  • Cathy Yelf, Head External Relations, nominated by Macular Society – patient expert

  • Clara Eaglen, Policy and Campaigns Manager, nominated by RNIB – patient expert

D. Representatives from the following manufacturer/sponsor attended Committee meetings. They contributed only when asked by the Committee chair to clarify specific issues and comment on factual accuracy.

  • Bayer

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)