New type of cell could be used to reverse sight loss

Posted: Tuesday 12 May 2020

A study in the United States has demonstrated that fibroblasts (cells involved in healing after injury) could be reprogrammed into light-sensitive photoreceptor-like cells and used to reverse sight loss, according to a report in the journal Nature.The re…

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Fond memories for D-Day veteran Neville

Posted: Friday 8 May 2020

“I missed all the VE Day celebrations as I was part of the Pacific fleet over in the Far East and the war in Japan was still going on.

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Companies prioritising people with sight loss

Posted: Wednesday 6 May 2020

During these unprecedented times, where things seem so different and often difficult to navigate, it’s really nice to know that some larger companies are putting the interests of people with sight loss at the core of their latest policies.With people rea…

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Support group offers parents a chance to connect and share experiences

Posted: Tuesday 5 May 2020

Living with a visual impairment can be hard and talking to others affected can often be a lifeline.As part of the Macular Society’s Working Age and Young Peoples’ Service we have a Parents’ support group, which gives parents of children with macular dise…

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Call for researchers to apply for grants of up to £250,000

Posted: Monday 4 May 2020

We remain committed to finding a cure for macular disease and are calling for researchers to apply for our new round of grants and PhD studentships, which will begin next year.This year the Society has increased the maximum value of its research grants a…

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Optometrist runs landmark metric marathon

Posted: Saturday 2 May 2020

On the day she should have been joining more than 40,000 others on the streets of London to run 26.2 miles, Elaine McKechnie found herself running alone through deserted Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead instead.Keen not to let her training go to waste, …

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Family reunion prompts fundraising challenge

Posted: Friday 1 May 2020

A keen open water swimmer, who has recently reunited with her dad after nearly two decades, has taken on her own unique 2.6 Challenge to support those living with macular disease - after learning he was living with the condition.Debbie Fish, 46, reconnec…

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Government abolishes VAT on e-publications early

Posted: Friday 1 May 2020

The Macular Society has welcomed the Government's decision to fast track plans to abolish VAT on e-books as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.Legislation which was due in December will now come into effect from today (Friday 1 May).

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Hospital trust launches drive-through injection service for vulnerable patients

Posted: Thursday 30 April 2020

Staff at University Hospital Southampton have launched a new drive-through service for vulnerable patients who need sight-saving injections during the coronavirus pandemic.The ophthalmology team at UHS has redesigned its services to reduce the risk in al…

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Health ministers respond to concerns about urgent eye treatment

Posted: Wednesday 29 April 2020

We have received encouraging responses from health ministers following our correspondence to ensure sight-saving injections continue to be a priority during the coronavirus crisis.Responses from Scottish and Welsh health ministers have reitterated that p…

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Lottery grant of £40,000 will support people with macular disease in Northern Ireland

Posted: Wednesday 29 April 2020

We have received a £40,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund to help provide an increased range of remote services following the coronavirus outbreak.Following the suspension of all of our face-to-face services in the UK due to the outbreak,…

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Dedicated fundraiser enlists help from across the world to continue her challenge

Posted: Tuesday 28 April 2020

One dedicated fundraiser has refused to let the coronavirus outbreak halt her fundraising efforts, enlisting help from all over the world to help her continue.Earlier this year Jane Woodhead, pledged to mark 2020 by undertaking 20

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