At Roger Pope Opticians we offer a range of solutions to assist those who are affected by Age Related Macular Degeneration. Our comprehensive eye examinations and equipment allow our team to examine for signs of AMD and sign post you for further advice .

There exists a range of options and treatments for sufferers of the disease such as laser surgery, low vision aids and the aforementioned specialist lenses which can help those who suffer In today’s news item we examine

The Macular Society whose work helps to fund research into the treatment and prevention of the disease. Founded in 1987, their mission and vision are simple:

Our Vision:

We will end macular disease.

Our Mission:

Beating the fear and isolation of macular disease with world-class research, and the best advice and support.

Within the remit of the operations that the charity undertakes research and fund raising are the two principal activities. Their continuous work to beat the disease is driven by the startling statistic that 300 people are diagnosed daily with the disease. Since 1990 the Macular Society have invested over £5.1 million in 73 different research projects. Each year they invite applications for research grants and PhD studentships which are assessed by their Research Committee. Groundbreaking projects by the charity include:

Professor Paul Bishop, University of Manchester

Establishment of a national eye tissue archive for AMD research. This work will retrieve tissue from 1,000 pairs of eyes and make it available to researchers for at least the next 10 years to provide a unique and important resource for future research into new treatments for AMD.

Dr Amanda-Jayne Carr, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology

Using induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate Best associated macular degeneration. Dr Carr aims to create models of Best disease using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to define the role of the gene BEST1 in the progression of Best disease and potentially identify new treatment pathways.

What’s more, the charity, as well as its research and funding arms, also offer an extensive local support network of over 400 groups that offer practical and emotional support for people with macular disease. Their website provides information on the types of Macular Disease as well as useful resources around lifestyle factors that can influence the onset of the disease.

For more information on the Macular Society, visit https://www.macularsociety.org/.