Welcome to your October e-newsletter. We’re really happy that we can brighten up this autumn with lots of promising updates for you, including two interesting webinars you might like to join this month.
The first of this month’s My Macular and Me webinars will feature Dr Tim Corson from Indiana University School of Medicine. Tim is working on a Macular Society-funded project to investigate the powerful healing compounds found in plants, which could help treat macular disease. At our second webinar later in the month you’ll hear from AbilityNet more about the support available to help people with sight loss, regardless of age or level of confidence, use a range of digital technology.
This month we will also return to Parliament to meet MPs and discuss the importance of eye health, and the need for improved access and care within eye services. Last year’s event was so well attended, thanks to your support as you wrote to your local MPs to ask them to attend. We would love you to help again this year. We know there is so much you will no doubt want to speak to your MP about at the moment, but this issue remains so close to all of our hearts and we must act now to Beat Macular Disease.
Gene therapy trial tests injection lasting three years
A new clinical trial is underway to test a gene therapy which could treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with an eye injection lasting up to three years.
Drug shows potential to slow down dry AMD progression
More exciting news for patients with dry AMD, as another new drug has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of the disease in its late stages.
Cataract surgery and macular degeneration – your questions answered
Can you have cataract surgery if you have macular degeneration? Consultant ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon professor Gary Misson answers your most frequently asked questions on the topic.
Westminster event returns to help improve eye care services
Eye health will be pushed up the political agenda again this month as we join The Eyes Have It partnership for another Parliamentary event. Please help improve eye care services by inviting your MP to join us.
“How I overcame my fear of needles after my diagnosis”
With a lifelong fear of needles, 72-year-old Dave was understandably anxious and scared when he was diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and told he needed regular injections in his eye. But, after one and a years and a half of treatment, he shares his reassurances for others who may be worried about the procedure.
Cost of living: what you need to know
As the rising cost of living continues to dominate the headlines, Kate Urwin, the founder and director of Yorkshire Energy Doctor wants to make sure you are getting all the support you are entitled to.
Join our My Macular & Me webinars
The first of this month’s webinars will welcome Dr Tim Corson from Indiana University School of Medicine who is working with our researchers to investigate the powerful healing compounds found in plants, which could help treat macular disease. Later in the month, we will be joined by Ability Net who will be talking more about their work and how they support people with any disability, of any age, to use all kinds of digital technology.
Participants needed for Charles Bonnet research
Have you experienced visual hallucinations caused by sight loss? The condition is common among people with macular disease. You could help scientists understand more about how they impact your daily life.
Gift Aid Awareness Day
Yesterday marked Gift Aid Awareness Day. If you are a UK tax payer, we can claim Gift Aid on your donations at no extra cost to you. It increases the amount of your gift by 25%, meaning you could help Beat Macular Disease even faster. It’s easy to sign up. All you need to do is complete a quick online form. Thank you!
Advice and Information Service 0300 3030 111
help@macularsociety.org
