December Update
After what has been an extremely challenging year for everyone, we are delighted 2020 is coming to a close with some positive news about a coronavirus vaccine. There is now real hope that we will be able to relaunch our face-to-face services some time in 2021; we’ll keep you updated through our emails and on our website. We can’t wait to meet up with you all again.
In the meantime we would like to thank you again for all of your incredible support this year and wish you and your family all the very best for Christmas and the new year.
New technology could lead to insights into causes of macular disease
A study at the University of Southampton has used new imaging technology to make a digital reconstruction of eye tissue, which could provide new insights into the causes of irreversible blinding diseases. This exciting development could speed up researchers’ understanding of conditions such as macular disease and ultimately bring us closer to a cure.
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Macular disease can change a whole family
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If you’ve had a family member diagnosed with macular disease, you will know the impact it can have on everyone.
Last month, we shared George’s story. George was diagnosed with Stargardt disease at just six years old. His diagnosis has devastated his whole family. His grandma Carol had never heard of macular disease until George was diagnosed. She has shared her story.
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Potential treatment could ‘save the sight of people like George’
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What research is going into Stargardt disease? And how close are we to finding a cure, for people like George, and thousands of others living with the condition? Robert MacLaren, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Oxford and a consultant ophthalmologist at the Oxford Eye Hospital, believes gene editing could hold the answers.
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How important is diet in AMD?
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There is a lot of conflicting information surrounding nutrition and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
So, what is the latest advice and information on nutrition? We welcome Dr Hannah Bartlett to our next Virtual Clinic, who will explore the latest advice and what you should be eating to protect your sight.
Remember, you can access all of our virtual clinics from your phone, tablet or computer – all from the comfort of your home.
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Do you have late-stage dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
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If so, researchers have renewed their calls for your help. In October Gyroscope Therapeutics, a company developing gene therapies and surgical delivery systems for retinal diseases, launched a campaign to encourage people diagnosed with dry AMD to take part in a new research study. They still need your help.
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New tech support service has helped you stay connected
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Earlier this year our tech-minded volunteers started remotely answering queries about e-readers, smartphones and other accessible tech. Within weeks, volunteers had talked members through adjusting their Kindles, setting up smart speakers and making their first video calls. If you need support with your devices, the service is here for you.
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We will be launching a new and improved website on Wednesday 16 December. If you are a member, you will still have access to the member’s area, but to access it on the new site you will need to create a new password. You will receive an email with instructions on how to do this before the website is launched.
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Join us and Beat Macular Disease
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Become a member today with a six-month free trial for the simplest way to get expert advice and support, as well as updates on treatments and research into macular disease. Join the only community dedicated to finding a cure.
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