Event will raise awareness of sight loss disease
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An event aimed at raising awareness of a sight loss disease is taking place in Banff later this month.
Charity the Macular Society has organised the event, which takes place on Tuesday, July 30 from 10.30am-12.30pm, at Banff Library on High Street.
The event will see the society giving a brief overview of its activities, as well as an introduction to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other forms of macular disease.
Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss 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.
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.
Laura Gray, Macular Society regional manager, said: “Information events like these give us a great opportunity to highlight the effects of macular disease and the support that’s on offer in the local area.
"It also helps us to identify whether people living in and around Banff would benefit from having their own macular support group.
“If you have a macular condition, or if you have a friend or family member who has been affected by sight problems, then please come along and see us on July 30 to find out more.”
The society will also be highlighting the work of its macular support groups, which help increase the confidence and independence of people affected by macular disease.
There are currently more than 400 of these groups across the UK, and if the awareness event in Banff is successful, a group will launch in the town in the near future.
On the day, friends, family and carers are also welcome and refreshments will be provided.
For more information on the event, contact Laura Gray on 07948352967 or email laura.gray@macularsociety.org
For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org
