An event aimed at raising awareness of the most common cause of sight loss in the UK will take place in Oakham.

The Oakham Macular Society Support Group, in partnership with leading sight loss charity the Macular Society, has organised the open day, which takes place on Tuesday, 2 May 2023.

The event, to be held at the Methodist Church, LE15 6QS from 10am-1pm will offer information about age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It will also highlight the wide range of support available to people living in the local area with AMD and other macular conditions.

Paul Holden, Macular Society regional manager, said: "Events like these are a great way to raise awareness of macular disease and highlight the support and help offered by the group. We would like anyone affected by macular disease to come along and meet others in the same situation.

"It's good to be able to learn from each other's experiences and tips. Peer to peer support can be so helpful – our groups can really help people increase in confidence and become more independent.

"If you have AMD or any other macular condition, or if you have a friend or family member who has been affected by sight problems, then please come and see us on 2nd may  to find out more, or come to one of our monthly meetings. Friends, family and carers are welcome to join us too."

On the day, members of the Oakham Macular Society Support Group will be on hand to talk to visitors about the group's activities, how it helps people with macular conditions living locally and additional support available in the area for people with vision loss. This group meets at Saxon Gardens, Penn Street, on the first Tuesday of every other month (February, April, June, August, October, December) from 10.30am until 12pm.

It is one of more than 400 groups of its kind all over the UK and offers information, encouragement and friendship to people with macular disease.

In addition, representatives from organisations including Vista, RNIB , Seeing solutions, Vision Aid, Age Uk and many more will be in attendance to provide information on sight loss support services available locally.

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.

Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement. There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.

For more information on the group, please contact 07769 494 087 or [email protected]

For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email [email protected]