Retinal Anti-VEGF Program for Intraocular Disease (RAPID)
Several retinal diseases are treated with medications injected into the eye at regular intervals. These drugs fall into the category of “Anti-VEGF” agents (Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor).
The common diseases treated with injections include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and vein occlusions. In most cases repeat injections with costly drugs are given over months and even years. Without treatment vision loss can be severe and permanent.
RAPID was developed by the retinal specialists of Alberta in collaboration with the Government of Alberta with the four primary goals:
- To improve access to all age categories of patients
- To improve vision outcomes of all Albertans
- To safeguard patient safety by monitoring risks and complications
- To reduce the cost for all Albertans
Currently three medications are available through this program:
- Avastin (Bevacizumab)
- Lucentis (Ranibizumab)
- Eylea (Aflibercept)
More information about treatment options available at Now Eye Know.
The RAPID project was implemented on October 1, 2015. It has evolved into a highly successful program, and achieved it’s goals, in particular, accessible vision saving treatment with cost saving for both the government and all Albertan tax payers. The program was recently extended until September 30, 2025. For more information on this program, please click here