Orkney Event to Highlight Support for People with Vision Loss

By theorkneynews on April 8, 2019 • ( 1 Comment )

Information about age-related macular degeneration (AMD) will be available at an event in Kirkwall on Tuesday 9th of April. It will also highlight the wide range of support available to people living in Orkney with AMD and other macular conditions.

The Orkney Macular Support Group, in partnership with the Macular Society, has organised an open day, which takes place on Tuesday 9 April, from 9.30am-4pm, at Kirkwall & St Ola Town Hall and Community Centre, Broad Street, Kirkwall

On the day, Macular Society regional manager John Furze, and members of the Orkney Macular 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.

Orkney Macular Support Group

The group meets on the first Thursday of each month, from 11am-1pm, at King Street Halls, Kirkwall. It is one of more than 400 macular support groups all over the UK and offers information, encouragement and friendship to people with macular disease.

In addition, representatives from technology specialist Optelec will be in attendance to demonstrate a range of gadgets and technology designed to make everyday life easier with macular disease.

Macular Disease

Macular disease is the biggest cause of blindness 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. AMD is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.

John Furze, 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 9 April 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 about the event, or the Orkney Macular Support Group, please contact John Furze, Macular Society regional manager, on 01463 214 190 / 07711 133 733, email john.furze@macularsociety.org

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