Charity celebrates 25 years of support and research

6 January 2012

The Macular Disease Society is celebrating 25 years of supporting people affected by the most common cause of sight loss in the UK.

In 1987 the Society was founded by Elizabeth Thomas after she was diagnosed with macular disease and recognised the need for more support, information and research into finding a cure.

Age-related macular degeneration affects more than 500,000 people in the UK. Macular disease and macular degeneration are terms for conditions affecting the central vision.

Events to celebrate the 25th anniversary include a London based art exhibition to showcase work by or about macular disease and a series of Top Doctor seminars across the UK to bring the latest research news to the public. Supporters are holding hundreds of Tea for MD parties to raise funds and awareness of the condition.

Today the Society has nearly 30,000 members and supporters and nearly 250 local support groups across the UK. In the last decade it has donated £1.5 million to research into macular disease.

The charity provides a range of free services to anyone affected by macular disease including counselling, advocacy and a help line. More than 220,000 people have used these services in the last 12 months.

Helen Jackman, Chief Executive of the Macular Disease Society, said: "This year represents 25 years of hard work and dedication from staff and volunteers to support and campaign on behalf of people affected by macular disease.

"There have been some significant milestones during this time, notably the development of anti-VEGF treatment for wet macular degeneration, but our goal ultimately remains to offer support to people affected by central vision loss and one day, to find a cure.

"We are excited about the plans to mark the anniversary and are encouraging people to join in the celebrations."

Denis Norden, Patron of the Macular Disease Society, said: "Supporting people affected by macular disease for 25 years is a record to be celebrated and extremely proud of.

"When I was diagnosed with macular disease I was given very little information. The Society answered the questions I had and let me know what may lay ahead. They have been of enormous use to me in all sorts of ways; they have been unfailingly helpful and deserve every type of praise."

The Macular Disease Society aims to build the confidence and independence of those with central vision impairment and is the only UK charity dedicated to helping people with macular disease.

The Macular Disease Society’s Helpline is available for information, advice and support about the condition by calling 0845 241 2041 or by emailing help@maculardisease.org.

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