Help for 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.

Judy Pride, Macular Society regional manager, said: “Information events like these are a great way for anyone who has just been diagnosed with this condition to find out more and to ask questions. Callers will also hear about the support and help that we provide. We welcome anyone interested to learn more about macular degeneration to join us.”

If you can’t call in on this date and still want to talk to others living with macular degeneration you are welcome to join the Bristol Macular Support group calls on the third Friday of every month at 10:30 am and the next call will take place March 19.

For more information and to book your place on the event, please call Judy on: 07947 373 244.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk. T he disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces. 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 the end of the phone and would strongly urge anyone to call us if they do need our assistance.”

“Our local telephone groups offer help in understanding macular disease and coming to terms with sight loss; exactly the way that our face-to-face support groups do. They also help us to ensure that everyone is kept up to date with all the current news and information. But most importantly, they allow people with macular disease to continue to take part in social activities, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation during these difficult times.”

All of the charity’s regional managers have Facebook pages and Twitter accounts that provide more local updates and are another way that people can get in contact. The Macular Society also offers a volunteer telephone befriending service, providing a friendly and understanding ear to anyone affected by macular disease.

For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org