This study reports the results of a qualitative study of patient experiences of receiving treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration with ranibizumab (Lucentis) (R) . Treatment involved monthly hospital visits for assessment and, where required, an intravitreal Lucentis injection. Qualitative narrative interviews were conducted with 22 patients, 18 of whom received treatment and were interviewed at two points during their treatment journey. Interviews allowed participants to reflect on their experiences of being assessed for and receiving this treatment. Overall, treated participants reported that while they had been apprehensive about treatment, the actual experience of it was far less unpleasant than they had expected. However, the data also revealed a number of issues surrounding the provision of information about treatment, as well as service delivery issues, which had considerable impact upon their experience.

Even therapists involved in delivering a high-intensity intervention as part of a trial wanted to adapt it for clinical practice; therefore, it is imperative that researchers are explicit regarding key intervention components and what can be adapted to help ensure implementation fidelity. Changes in therapists' beliefs and system-level changes (staffing and resources) are likely necessary to facilitate higher-intensity rehabilitation in practice.

The impact of sight loss on everyday life changes over time, through further deterioration of vision, as well as a result of other physical changes and key events in people’s lives. As such, even the support needs of people with relatively stable visual impairment are likely to change throughout their life course. This article explores the long-term support needs of people with sight loss and the barriers they face when accessing services over time and at the time of need. Data from biographical interviews with 36 participants with sight loss is presented, with particular focus upon three illustrative case studies. The study reveals that many participants experienced problems gaining information about, and access to, services in the short and longer term. There is a need for systematic referral from clinical services to social and voluntary services and for regular follow-up to identify and respond to people’s changing needs.

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