There is now an approved treatment for dry AMD — and your practice can offer it

There is now an approved treatment for dry AMD — and your practice can offer it
Valeda® is a CE-marked and FDA-authorised light-based treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration. Zollara Vision Services enables your practice to provide this clinically validated therapy without the need for capital equipment purchase, operational complexity, or financial risk.
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A longstanding clinical challenge now has an evidence-based answer
For decades, dry age-related macular degeneration has presented a significant challenge for eye care professionals. Unlike wet AMD, which benefits from established interventional therapies, dry AMD has historically offered limited treatment pathways beyond nutritional supplementation and lifestyle modification guidance.
This has left clinicians with few options to offer patients experiencing progressive vision deterioration, despite growing patient awareness and demand for therapeutic intervention.
Photobiomodulation: a clinically validated approach
Photobiomodulation (PBM) represents a novel therapeutic approach utilising specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular function within retinal tissue. This non-invasive treatment modality has emerged from rigorous clinical investigation, demonstrating measurable outcomes in patients with dry AMD.
The treatment works by delivering controlled light energy to the macula, potentially supporting mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism. Clinical evidence suggests that PBM may help stabilise vision and, in some cases, improve visual function parameters in patients with early to intermediate dry AMD.
01
Non-invasive delivery
Light-based therapy administered through the pupil with no surgical intervention required
02
Cellular mechanism
Targets mitochondrial function within retinal photoreceptors and support cells
03
Treatment protocol
Structured series of sessions delivered according to established clinical parameters
04
Clinical monitoring
Regular assessment of visual function and disease progression throughout treatment course
Valeda® by LumiThera: regulatory approval and clinical foundation
Valeda® is a medical device developed by LumiThera, Inc., a medical technology company specialising in photobiomodulation therapies for ophthalmic conditions. The device has achieved both CE marking for use in the European Economic Area and FDA authorisation for use in the United States, reflecting comprehensive regulatory review of its safety and clinical performance.
The regulatory approvals are supported by multiple clinical studies, including randomised controlled trials that have evaluated treatment efficacy, safety profiles, and long-term outcomes in patients with dry AMD. This body of evidence provides the clinical foundation that enables eye care professionals to offer photobiomodulation therapy with confidence.
CE Marked
European regulatory approval confirming conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards
FDA Authorised
United States regulatory clearance following comprehensive review of clinical data and device performance
Clinical Evidence
Multiple peer-reviewed studies demonstrating safety profile and treatment outcomes in dry AMD populations
Why many practices have not yet adopted Valeda® treatment
Despite the clinical validation and regulatory approval of photobiomodulation therapy for dry AMD, adoption amongst independent optometry practices has been limited. Several practical and financial barriers have prevented widespread implementation, even where clinical interest exists.
Significant capital investment
The Valeda® device represents a substantial financial commitment, typically requiring capital expenditure that may be difficult to justify without certainty of patient demand and return on investment.
Uncertainty regarding patient uptake
Practices face difficulty predicting whether sufficient patient volume will materialise to support the investment, particularly in the early adoption phase when patient awareness remains limited.
Patient retention concerns
There is understandable concern that patients receiving treatment may subsequently transfer care to larger centres or hospital eye services, undermining the practice's ability to build a sustainable treatment programme.
Operational and training requirements
Implementation requires staff training, protocol development, clinical governance frameworks, and ongoing operational management—all of which demand time and resources from already busy practices.
Zollara Vision Services removes the barriers to offering Valeda® treatment
Zollara Vision Services, a division of Zollara Ltd, has been established specifically to enable independent optometry practices to offer Valeda® photobiomodulation therapy without the traditional barriers to adoption.
Rather than requiring practices to purchase equipment and develop operational infrastructure, Zollara Vision Services delivers the treatment directly within your practice environment. This model eliminates capital expenditure, removes operational complexity, and allows you to offer evidence-based dry AMD treatment whilst maintaining your existing patient relationships.
No capital purchase required
Treatment delivered using Zollara-owned equipment, eliminating the need for practices to invest in device acquisition or bear depreciation costs.
On-site delivery within your practice
Valeda® therapy administered in your own clinical space, ensuring patients continue to receive care in a familiar environment under your professional oversight.
No operational burden
Zollara Vision Services manages treatment logistics, scheduling coordination, and administrative processes, allowing your team to focus on patient care.
Patient retention assured
Patients remain under your care throughout the treatment pathway, strengthening rather than disrupting the therapeutic relationship between patient and practitioner.
How the service works in practice
Zollara Vision Services operates through a straightforward partnership model designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing clinical workflow. Once established, the service enables you to offer Valeda® treatment as part of your AMD management pathway without disrupting normal practice operations.
1
Initial consultation and assessment
You identify suitable patients with dry AMD during routine examinations or dedicated AMD clinics, conducting the clinical assessment and determining treatment suitability according to established protocols.
2
Patient referral to Zollara Vision Services
Following your clinical decision, the patient is referred to Zollara Vision Services for treatment delivery. Administrative coordination is handled by Zollara, minimising additional workload for your practice team.
3
Treatment delivered on-site
A Zollara Vision Services clinician attends your practice to administer Valeda® therapy using Zollara-owned equipment. Treatment sessions are scheduled in consultation with your practice to optimise use of clinical space.
4
Ongoing clinical oversight
You maintain overall clinical responsibility for the patient's AMD management, with regular monitoring and follow-up continuing within your practice. Clinical outcomes and treatment progress are shared to support comprehensive patient care.
Important information for healthcare professionals
Information for healthcare professionals only. This webpage is intended exclusively for qualified eye care professionals practising within the United Kingdom. The content should not be accessed or interpreted by patients or members of the general public.
Clinical responsibility and scope of service. Zollara Vision Services does not diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, or bill patients directly. All clinical decisions regarding patient suitability for Valeda® therapy, treatment protocols, and ongoing management remain entirely with the treating eye care professional. Zollara Vision Services functions solely as a treatment delivery partner.
Regulatory and trademark information. Valeda® is a registered trademark of LumiThera, Inc. The Valeda® Light Delivery System is a CE-marked medical device and has received FDA authorisation. Zollara Vision Services is a division of Zollara Ltd, an independent service provider with no corporate affiliation to LumiThera, Inc.
Zollara Vision Services
A division of Zollara Ltd
Enabling independent optometry practices to offer evidence-based dry AMD treatment
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