There is still time to apply!
Do you know someone who needs support returning to macular disease research? The @macularsociety.org are funding a flexible Daphne Jackson Fellowship to be held at any UK university or research institute.
#ResearchReturner
What is it really like to participate in a clinical trial?
In our newest episode of the My Macular and Me podcast, Caroline shares her firsthand experience of taking part in macular disease research, discussing how she got involved and the impact it has had on her. Listen now: bit.ly/4bwKWoY
Do you know someone who needs support returning to research? @macularsociety.org are funding a Daphne Jackson Fellowship to be held at any UK university or research institute.
Please share with your network to get one more #ResearchReturner back to their career. daphnejackson.org/fellowship/m...
Being diagnosed with macular disease can raise a lot of questions and fears about the future.
In our latest podcast episode, Kevin from the Macular Society helpline talks us through what to expect, how to adapt, and the practical support available. Listen now: bit.ly/3YqDcNH
Image shows a family greeting on Christmas. A grandad enters the house to hug his daughter and grandchild. Everyone is smiling and there are Christmas decorations around the room.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at the Macular Society. Our helpline is open until 5pm today, then 9am-5pm on 29th - 31st. We will be resuming normal service on Friday 2 January. Email us at help@macularsociety.org or call 0300 3030 111.
Text: Bitesize Benefits, Autumn Budget, Listen Now. Image shows cartoon pictures of pound coins and a microphone in a speech bubble
How will the autumn budget impact those living with macular disease? Our latest episode of Bitesize Benefits unpacks key welfare updates and what they could mean for the sight loss community. Listen to the podcast now: bit.ly/4iM0DKB
Three men holding a placard in front of a fancy white drape. Left to right is Lord Taylor of Holbeach, Mike from RNIB, and Greg from Royal College of Ophthalmology. The placard reads "I'm calling for action to prevent avoidable sight loss and better support people living with eye health conditions".
Proud to join #WestminsterEyeHealthDay, funded by Roche Products Ltd.
The event brought together MPs, Peers, and sector leaders to champion eye health and launch a new report.
We're working with #TheEyesHaveIt & @marshadecordova.bsky.social a to back action to improve eye care.
Text: Revolutionary new implant for dry age-related macular degeneration with Mr Mahi Muqit. My Macular and Me webinar. Tuesday 18 November, 7pm. Image of research participant using the PRIMA system glasses.
Revolutionary new implant has enabled patients with dry AMD to read again. Mahi Muqit joins our webinar tomorrow at 7pm to discuss the groundbreaking PRIMA system trial results. Register to learn what this means for the future of treatment: bit.ly/4i4G1gk
Brian is an older white gentleman with short brown hair. He is wearing glasses with grey frames and a rugby top.
After losing his vision to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Brian struggled with everyday tasks, but he refused to give up. He discovered a number of simple adaptations at home that boosted his confidence and helped him maintain his independence. Read Brian's story: bit.ly/479mwhz
What is diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and what treatments are available? Consultant ophthalmologist Samantha Da Silva joins our My Macular and Me podcast to discuss DMO including the symptoms to look out for, treatment options, and the latest developments in research. Listen now: bit.ly/4oseeJ4
A consultation between a doctor and a patient. They are looking at forms together at a desk with eye scans on the computer screen in the background.
"The certificate can be a way of enabling access to further support that can often make a huge difference to people's quality of life."
Professor Omar Mahroo discusses how registering as sight impaired can help people living with macular disease in our latest webinar: bit.ly/4753f22
Text: What are the benefits of registering as sight impaired? With professor Omar Mahroo. My Macular and Me webinar tonight, 7pm. Image is of Professor Mahroo sat on a panel. He has dark hair and a beard and is wearing glasses and a grey suit jacket.
What are the benefits of registering as sight impaired? Join our My Macular and Me webinar tonight as Professor Omar Mahroo explores the process of certifying as visually impaired, the challenges patients and clinicians face, and how the system could be improved. Register now: bit.ly/47isPj0
A woman wearing a face covering uses a screwdriver to tighten a screw as she fits together a pair of the black PRIMA System glasses.
What is the new implant helping people to see? When will it become available? Here's all you need to know about the revolutionary eye implant which has enabled people with dry AMD to read again.
www.macularsociety.org/about/media/...
"Artificial vision may offer a lot of hope to many, particularly after previous disappointments in the world of dry AMD treatment. The interface between digital and biological systems offers great potential and this is exciting news." - Dr Peter Bloomfield, Macular Society director of research.
The PRIMA System black glasses being fitted. Yellow text in a black box reads: A new era for artificial vision - implant offers hope for dry AMD treatment.
A revolutionary new implant has restored some vision to patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), enabling them to read words and numbers, boosting hopes of a breakthrough treatment.
Read more: www.macularsociety.org/about/media/...
Text: "You don#t normally think that something so simple would make a difference, but the cane is now an extension of me." White Cane Awareness Day. Image is of Maddy, standing with her arms crossed against a wall. She is a younger woman with shoulder length brown hair. She is smiling and is wearing a dark blue cardigan with a floral pattern on one side.
Maddy initially resisted using her white cane, but she now won't leave the house without it. It has become an extension of herself, helping drivers see her at crossings and giving her the confidence to ask strangers for assistance #WhiteCaneAwarenessDay
Text: "It's getting over the fear and the isolation. People are very kind to you. I found that with my stick, I don't have to explain anymore." White Cane Awareness Day. The photo is of Rita, an older woman with a short grey bob hairstyle. She is smiling and wearing glasses, a white turtleneck long sleeve top and a black tartan dress
Do you use a white cane? For Rita, her cane has helped her overcome her embarrassment about losing her sight and to communicate her sight loss to others. Like many, she struggled to accept the changes in her vision, but her confidence has grown as a result of using her cane #WhiteCaneAwarenessDay
#WorldSightDay 👀 If you’re experiencing eye problems such as a red or sticky eye, blurred vision, or flashes and floaters, please get in touch with your optometrist, who will be able to assist you.
www.NHSInform.scot/optometry
An elderly woman with white hair and white collared shirt stares into an autorefractor machine as part of her eye test. Text inside a yellow box reads: World Sight Day 2025.
Today is World Sight Day - a reminder of the importance of accessible and affordable eyecare for everyone, everywhere.
Join the global call to action: #LoveYourEyes - book a sight test, encourage others to do the same. Your vision matters.
#WorldSightDay
Thinking about joining a clinical trial but not sure where to start? Our research team answers all your questions in the latest episode of the My Macular and Me podcast: mymacularandme.buzzsprout.com/2135855/epis...
Photo of Chris. An older gentleman smiling at the camera. He is wearing black rimmed glasses, a green plaid shirt and a dark blue jumper
“If I can help somebody with macular disease, then that’s my legacy”. Six years after being diagnosed with central vein retinal occlusion and wet age-related macular degeneration, Chris leads a local support group. Volunteering has given him confidence and a sense of community: bit.ly/47huOps
Text: National Eye Health Week, Protecting our eyes from sunlight. Protecting your eyes from glare and ultraviolet light is important all year round. Make sure to choose sunglasses with proper UV filters, those marked UV 400 should block 100% of UV. Image in background of two people smiling and wearing sunglasses.
Text: National Eye Health Week. Smoking and sight loss. Research shows that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Current smokers face up to four times the risk compared to non-smokers, and smoking can accelerate AMD progression and reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Image in background of a no smoking sign.
Text: National Eye Health Week, Eating for our eyes. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants helps to protect against eye damage. Dark leafy greens, brightly coloured vegetables, nuts, seeds, and oily fish are all excellent sources of eye protective vitamins and minerals.
Text: National Eye Health Week. Looking out for changes in our eyesight. Macular degeneration symptoms may develop slowly, especially if it’s only in one eye. It’s important to monitor your vision carefully and schedule an appointment with your optician if you notice any changes in your vision. Image in background of an optician looking into an elderly gentleman's eyes.
Taking care of your eyes becomes even more important as we age. From UV protection to nutrition, there are multiple ways to maintain good eye health and reduce your risk of conditions such as macular degeneration. Learn more about looking after your eye health: bit.ly/3IG2YsP #NationalEyeHealthWeek
“It’s recommended to have an eye test at least every two years”. A yellow graphic with black text. Below is an image of a calendar with ‘Eye test!’ circled on 25 September.
Since it’s National Eye Health Week, it’s a good time to remind you to book an eye test if you’re due one 🗓
Regular eye tests are an important health check for your eyes, even if you have no problems with your vision and don't need glasses.
Have you booked yours?
Text: Sight loss and employment. National Eye Health Week. Image: A young woman sat with a laptop on her lap.
Text: National Eye Health Week. Keeping your job after diagnosis. As an employee, you are protected under the Equality Act 2010, so your employer has a duty of care to all their employees, and is expected to support anyone who reports a change in their health. Image in background is of two men talking to each other in the workplace.
Text: National Eye Health Week. Keeping your job after diagnosis. With some minor changes to the way people carry out their job, the majority can remain employed. When a person's sight loss stats to affect their work, it is important that they report this to their employer. Image in background is of two employees having a discussion.
Text: National Eye Health Week. Disclosing your sight loss at work. Depending on the nature of your job, changes can be made to the way people work so they are able to keep their job. Some of these changes are: Flexible working, re-deployment into another role within the company, and/ or reasonable adjustments within the workplace. Image in the background is of a woman using an iPad at her work desk.
Being diagnosed with macular disease can feel daunting, especially if you’re worried about how it might affect your job. But with the right support and adjustments, most people can stay in work. Learn more about your rights and workplace support: bit.ly/42qaoaa #NationalEyeHealthWeek
Text: How can I make the most out of my optician appointments? National Eye Health Week. Image in background is of optician equipment
Text: How often should I have an eye test? Everyone should have an eye test carried out by an optometrist every two years to check the health of their eyes. Changes to your macula can be discovered, even if you are not aware of them. National Eye Health Week. Image in background is of glasses held up against a Snellen chart.
Text: What questions shall I ask my optician? There are no silly questions when it comes to eye health, and it may be that you need more clarification about your macular disease condition. So ask as many questions as you feel you need to. National Eye Health Week. Image in background is of an optician doing an OCT scan on an older lady.
Text is: Will my optometrist diagnose macular disease? While an optometrist will perform an eye exam, they will refer you to your hospital's eye clinic for further tests and a diagnosis if they spot anything of concern. National Eye Health Week. Image in background is of a lady having her eyes tested, a close up look at the equipment and her face.
How can you make the most out of your optician appointments? Regular checks can spot changes in the macula even before you notice them. Listen to our podcast to find out key questions to ask your optician how to prepare for your next visit: bit.ly/4m7cx1B #NationalEyeHealthWeek
Image shows a woman having an eye health check - the wording says " Sight tests are essential health checks"
Routine sight tests are vital health checks for all. They can spot signs of eye disease years before you notice a change in your vision & detect a range of common health conditions, including Diabetes, Hypertension & Heart Disease.
Find out more: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services...
#NationalEyeHealthWeek
a syringe going into a vial with a clear liquid in
Clinical trials play a vital role in trialling the development of new treatments for conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema. But how do they work and why is participation important? Find out more: bit.ly/4myCxE2
What are the chances of inheriting macular disease? Genetic counsellor Elena Schiff, from Moorfields Eye Hospital, joins our webinar to take a closer look at inherited macular conditions, what they are, how they’re passed on, and the different genetic tests available. Watch now: bit.ly/479vRYs
Text reads: Bitesize Benefits, Welfare Update, Listen now. Imagery is a yellow background with pound coins and a speech bubble with a microphone
In the latest episode of Bitesize Benefits, we explore the government’s latest welfare reforms and what they mean for people living with macular disease. We look at proposed changes to PIP, Universal Credit and Access to Work, and how they could affect you. Listen now: bit.ly/3JofMnP
Text: Genetic counselling for macular disease with Elena Schiff, from Moorfields Eye Hospital. My Macular and Me webinar, tonight, 7pm. Elena is on the right hand side. She is a white woman with long dark brown hair and she has round dark glasses. She is smiling.
What is genetic counselling and how can it help you? Elena Schiff, a genetic counsellor at @moorfields.bsky.social , joins our My Macular and Me webinar tonight at 7pm to explain her role, the different genetic tests available, and what the results might mean. Register now: bit.ly/4kE5qwQ
