Macular Society

Macular Society logo

The Macular Society, formerly known as the Macular Disease Society, is a UK[1][2] charity for anyone affected by central vision loss.[3]

The Macular Society is the leading charity fighting to end sight loss caused by macular disease. Every day over 200 people in the UK face the shock of a diagnosis of macular disease. This sight loss can rob people of their independence, leaving them unable to drive, read or recognise their family. It can be a profoundly isolating condition. People with macular disease are seven times more likely to feel distressed or depressed. The Society helps people adapt to life with sight loss, regain their confidence and independence and take back control of their lives. The Society is one of the few sight loss charities that actively funds and supports medical research into macular disease. This is the research that will one day find a cure.

The society has around 60 employees and 1416 volunteers.[4] They provide free information and support. They have more than 260 Macular Society support groups around the UK as well as a helpline, counselling and advocacy service. They also fund research into macular conditions.

The Society produces an annual scientific journal, Digest, which is distributed to eye care professionals and is also available in large print or on audio CD.

History

The Macular Disease Society was set up in 1987 by founder Elizabeth Thomas, who was affected by macular degeneration. At the start of 2013 the Society dropped the word disease from their name and updated their visual identity.

References

  1. ↑ "Macular Disease Society, Registered Charity no. 1001198 in England".
  2. ↑ "Macular Disease Society, Registered Charity no. SC042015 in Scotland".
  3. ↑ "BBC reference Macular Society for patients".
  4. ↑ "Charity overview". charity-commission.gov.uk. 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2013.


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