An event aimed at raising awareness of the most common cause of sight loss in the UK is taking place in Stroud later this month.
The Stroud Macular Society Support Group, in partnership with leading
sight loss charity the Macular Society, has organised an open day, which
takes place on Wednesday 30 November, 10am to 2pm at The
Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE.
The event will offer information about age-related macular degeneration
(AMD). It will also highlight the wide range of support available to people
living in the local area with AMD and other sight conditions.
On the day, members of the Stroud Macular Society Support Group will be
on hand to talk to visitors about the group’s activities, how it helps people
with macular conditions living locally and additional support available in the
area for people with vision loss.
The group is one of more than 400 groups of its kind all over the UK and offers information, encouragement and friendship to people with macular disease.
In addition, representatives from organisations including InSight
Gloucestershire, RNIB, VisionAid Technologies, Dolphin, Optelec and the
Sensory Services Team will be in attendance to provide information on
sight loss support services available locally as well as the chance to view
the latest technology to support people with sight loss.
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. The
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.
Amanda Read, Macular Society regional manager, said: “Events like these
are a great way to raise awareness of macular disease and highlight
the support and help offered by the group. We would like anyone affected
by macular disease to come along and meet others in the same situation.
“It’s good to be able to learn from each other’s experiences and tips. Peer
to peer support can be so helpful – our groups can really help people
increase in confidence and become more independent.
“If you have AMD or any other macular condition, or if you have a friend or
family member who has been affected by sight problems, then please
come and see us on Wednesday 30 November to find out more, or come to
one of our monthly meetings. Friends, family and carers are welcome to
join us too.”
For more information on the group, please contact Amanda on 07432
700 478, or email amanda.read@macularsociety.org
For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society
on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org