Policy makers, physicians convene to promote Tecnis lens technology

WASHINGTON — U.S. policymakers have endorsed the use of a particular IOL technology, the Tecnis lens, based on its claims of improved contrast sensitivity, marketer Pfizer said here during a governmental briefing. Improved contrast sensitivity can help reduce the number and cost of motor vehicle collisions nationwide, said a group of experts here for the briefing.

Last month, Pfizer received labeling approval of the lens and a Food and Drug Administration acknowledgement on the necessity of the device technology, the company said.

Dennis McBride, PhD, MPA, president of the Potomac for Policy Studies, told members of Congress, other government officials, senior citizen groups and medical experts about the economic return improved contrast sensitivity would have on America’s older population. He said upward of $400 billion could be saved in preventable motor vehicle collisions.

“How does it translate into public policy? There are two concerns – the need to protect elderly drivers and enhance their participation in the economy,” he said. “Policy is at the heart of this.”

Sen. John Breaux, D-La., a ranking member on the Committee of Aging, supports the lens and promotion to seniors and foresees no impediments from Medicare in making appropriations for it.

How an increased use of the Tecnis technology would affect Medicare and overall health care funding was not discussed. Dr. McBride noted that members of his organization are assessing the number of patients who would be considered clinical candidates.