Patient information event to help those with sight loss
A telephone information event aimed at helping people affected by dry age related macular degeneration (AMD), a form of central vision loss, will take place on Friday, March 26 at 2pm. During the event, called, “Looking after your sight during the pandemic”, expert Optometrist Amar Shah will explain everything patients need to know in order to live well with AMD. There will be a Q&A session at the end, and family members and friends of those affected are also very welcome to join the call.
Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement. There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.
Judy added: “As social restrictions continue as a result of the virus, people’s health and wellbeing remain our priority. However, it’s absolutely vital that everyone who needs our support continues to receive it. Although our face-to-face services have had to be suspended for the time being, we are still on Judy Pride, Macular Society regional manager, said: “Information events like these the end of the phone and would strongly urge are a great way for anyone who has just been anyone to call us if they do need our assisdiagnosed with this condition to find out more tance.” and to ask questions. Callers will also hear “Our local telephone groups offer help in about the support and help that we provide. We welcome anyone interested to learn more understanding macular disease and coming to terms with sight loss; exactly the way that about macular degeneration to join us.” our face-to-face support groups do. They also If you can’t call in on this date and still want to help us to ensure that everyone is kept up to talk to others living with macular degeneration date with all the current news and information. But most importantly, they allow people with you are welcome to join the Bristol Macular macular disease to continue to take part in Support group calls on the third Friday of every month at 10:30 am and the next call will social activities, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation during these difficult take place March 19. times.” For more information and to book your place All of the charity’s regional managers have on the event, please call Judy on: Facebook pages and Twitter accounts that 07947 373 244. provide more local updates and are another Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight way that people can get in contact. The Macular Society also offers a volunteer loss in the UK. Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk. telephone befriending service, providing a T he disease can have a devastating effect on friendly and understanding ear to anyone affected by macular disease. people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces. For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org 14