Learn about private Valeda® photobiomodulation (PBM) light therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology in Bamber Bridge, Preston. Valeda is a non-invasive, 10-minute light treatment designed to slow disease progression and preserve existing vision. Features include specialist retinal assessments, a 9-session treatment course over 3–5 weeks, and flexible payment plans with 0% interest finance available.
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, a small area in the centre of the retina that is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It helps you with activities such as reading, driving, recognising faces, and seeing fine detail.
As we age, the eye’s natural waste-removal process can become less efficient. This can lead to a build-up of tiny yellow deposits called drusen beneath the retina. Over time, these deposits, together with the gradual loss of light-sensitive cells, can cause the macula to thin and deteriorate, resulting in a gradual decline in central vision. Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration, accounting for approximately 80-90% of all cases. 
Common symptoms of dry AMD
– Difficulty reading
– Difficulty driving
– Blurred central vision
– Difficulty recognising faces
– Distorted vision
What is photobiomodulation therapy (PBM)? 
Valeda® photobiomodulation therapy is a light-based treatment that targets the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It delivers controlled wavelengths of light to stimulate energy production within retinal cells. Valeda uses carefully controlled red and near-infrared light. The light is directed at the eye for a short time. It’s a non-invasive treatment which generally lasts no longer than 10 minutes. The medical name for this type of treatment is photobiomodulation.
How does PBM light therapy help patients?
Clinical studies have shown that this treatment can help maintain vision and, on average, improve eye-chart results compared with inactive treatment. While some patients experience an improvement in vision, others find that their vision remains stable. Patients have also reported improvements in their quality of life. The treatment works by slowing the progression of AMD and helping to preserve existing sight.
Who is suitable for PBM light therapy?
This treatment is designed to help slow the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and preserve existing vision. It is intended as a preventative treatment rather than to improve vision that has already been lost. Retinal scans play an important role in determining eligibility, particularly when assessing the size and extent of ‘drusen’ and the overall health of the macula. However, suitability is not based on scan results alone. Some patients who have lived with a diagnosis of dry AMD for several years may still be considered for treatment, depending on their individual circumstances.
Patients with wet AMD in one eye may require additional consideration, as there may be specific risks and benefits that need to be carefully assessed by their ophthalmologist before treatment is offered. The aim of treatment is to slow down the progression of dry AMD and help maintain the vision you currently have. It is not intended to restore vision that has already been lost, but rather to reduce the risk of further deterioration.
What results can you expect?
Valeda PBM light therapy is a preventative treatment designed to protect your sight, not restore lost vision. Because every patient is unique, outcomes vary.
Slows progression:
The primary goal is delaying dry AMD advancement and reducing further deterioration.
Maintains stability:
Many patients experience stable vision that lasts longer than it otherwise would.
Potential improvement:
Some individuals even report noticeable improvements in their daily visual function.
Your specialist will closely monitor your progress with ongoing retinal scans at every stage.
How can I access PBM treatment?
The treatment pathway is designed to ensure that the treatment is appropriate for you and that your condition is monitored throughout.
Enquiry or referral – you can self-refer for PBM treatment. Simply call us on 0330 818 8945, or by submitting an enquiry via the form on this page.
Diagnostic assessment – You will attend your first appointment for a comprehensive assessment, including a sight test and detailed retinal imaging to assess the stage of your AMD and determine whether treatment may be suitable.
Consultant review – Your scan results and medical history will be reviewed by a retinal specialist with expertise in AMD. This assessment will determine whether you are likely to benefit from treatment.
Discussion and consent – If you are considered suitable, the specialist will explain the potential benefits and risks of treatment and answer any questions you may have. If you wish to proceed, you will be asked to provide your consent.
Treatment begins – Where appropriate, treatment can be started on the same day as your assessment and consultant review. The initial course consists of nine treatment sessions.
Repeat review and ongoing management - Following the treatment course, you will have a further review with the retinal specialist. Additional scans and assessments will be performed to determine whether further treatment is recommended.
Protect your vision. Book your assessment today.
Take the first step toward slowing Dry AMD progression. Book a consultant-led retinal assessment at our Bamber Bridge clinic and explore flexible 0% finance options.
The cost of Valeda Photobiomodulation (PBM) light therapy is structured in two parts. First, an initial consultation and diagnostic assessment costs £145, which is required to determine if you are clinically eligible for the treatment (this fee is payable regardless of whether you choose or are approved to proceed). If you are deemed suitable and wish to move forward, the treatment cycle costs £1,400 per cycle on top of the initial consultation fee.
Private medical insurance does not cover PBM treatment, but flexible healthcare finance options are available through Chrysalis Finance to help spread the cost. Eligible patients can choose from 3 or 12-month 0% interest payment plans on selected treatments, or longer-term options ranging from 24 to 60 months at 14.9% APR.
Confirmation of diagnosis and treatment suitability
Discussion of benefits, risks and expectations
Informed consent if treatment is clinically appropriate
What should I expect during treatment? 
One treatment cycle consists of nine sessions 
Sessions are usually delivered 2-3 times per week 
The treatment cycle is typically completed over 3-5 weeks 
Treatment is non-invasive 
After the first appointment each treatment appointment should not be longer than 30 minutes 
What should I expect after treatment? 
Temporary after-images may occur
Some patients may experience warmth, or mild eye discomfort
Patients should monitor for sudden vision changes or symptoms 
Further scans and consultant review are required before additional treatment cycles
FAQs
Dry AMD usually develops gradually and is the most common form of AMD. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop beneath the retina and often require urgent treatment. This is the more advanced form of AMD; Valeda therapy can help patients at the Dry AMD stage.
Valeda® may help maintain vision or improve vision in some patients, but it cannot restore vision already permanently lost. Individual results vary.
You can fund the treatment yourself, this is also known as self-pay. This treatment is not available using your private medical insurance however, finance arrangements are possible.
Surgery payment plans are available over 3 or 12 months at 0% interest, with longer-term options available over 24-60 months at 14.9% APR. Our 3-month 0% interest payment plan is available on selected treatments only. Please speak to our team to find out if your treatment is eligible.
Through our partner Chrysalis Finance, we offer approved patients a range of funding options to pay for one-off private treatments.
This means you can spread the cost of your treatment using our interest-free or longer-term healthcare payment options, which can be arranged in advance.
No. Valeda® does not replace AREDS supplements but can work alongside, and your ophthalmologist may still recommend supplements as part of your overall AMD management.
*Representative example:
Total amount of credit £1,400.00. Total charge for credit £0.00 Total amount repayable £1,400.00 Repayable by 3 monthly payments of £466.67. Representative 0.00% APR. Example based upon treatment costing £1,400.00, repayable over 3 months. Acceptance is subject to status. T&Cs apply.
*Illustrative example:
Pay over 12 months. Illustrative for monthly repayment £116.67
*Illustrative example:
Pay over 24 months. Illustrative for monthly repayment £67.19
Still weighing it up?
Our Private Patient team will talk you through timings, prices and our locations, so you know exactly what you’re getting before you decide – there’s never any pressure to book.
