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Send us your feedback Being diagnosed with macular disease can leave you and your family feeling isolated and uncertain about the future. Macular Society’s Advice and Information Service Manager Kevin Franklin joins our My Macular and Me podcast to discuss the main concerns people face when they are diagnosed with macular disease, as well as the support available. Useful information: NutritionBitesize Benefits Podcast: Personal Independence Payment: Part one, part two, part three. Bitesize Benefits Podcast: Attendance Allowance: Part one, part two.Treatment buddiesDaily living skillsThe Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback Join us as we look at the recent Autumn Budget announcement and explore what these updates could mean for those living with sight loss. Living with sight loss may entitle you to extra financial support to help with day-to-day costs, but do you know what you can claim? Our mini series Bitesize Benefits covers a range of topics related to financial and workplace support for those living with macular disease. Useful links and resources: Bitesize Benefits PIP guidance: How to apply, application ins and outs, assessment and decisionBenefits, GOV.UKRegistering as sight impaired My Macular and Me podcast episodeMoney Saving Expert Autumn budget information For more information on benefits available to help those living with macular disease and their families, please visit our website. The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback In this episode of the My Macular and Me podcast we explore the topic of diabetic macular oedema (DMO), a leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. We're joined by Samantha Da Silva, consultant ophthalmologist at Oxford Eye Hospital who specialises in medical retina disorders. Hosted by Geraldine Hoad, our Head of Research Grants, this episode explores what DMO actually is, how it develops, and the key symptoms to watch out for. Samantha walks us through the diagnostic process, current treatment options including anti-VEGF therapy and laser treatment, and shares practical advice for anyone newly diagnosed with the condition. We also discuss the most promising developments in DMO research and what the future holds for prevention and care. Whether you're living with diabetes, have been diagnosed with DMO, or are supporting someone who has, this episode provides essential information about protecting your vision and understanding your treatment options. Information on DMO: Diabetic macular oedema, Macular Society website Your guide to diabetic macular oedema The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback Have you ever wondered about clinical trials for sight loss? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about participating in research. Join us as we talk with Gerry and Sarah from the Macular Society's research team about how clinical trials work, what to expect, and how you can get involved. Whether you're considering joining a trial or just want to learn more, this conversation will help you make informed decisions about taking part in research.  The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback In this episode of Bitesize Benefits, we explore the government’s latest welfare reforms, what they mean for people with macular disease, and how proposed changes to benefits like PIP, Universal Credit and Access to Work could affect you.  For more information on benefits available to help those living with macular disease and their families, please visit our website. The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback In this episode of the My Macular and Me podcast, we speak to Kelly, a mum of three living with Best disease. Kelly shares her personal journey of parenting with sight loss, from the emotional impact of her diagnosis to the challenges of family life, adapting routines, and supporting her children. This honest and heartfelt conversation explores the realities of raising a family while navigating sight loss, and the strength found in community and support. The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback Living with sight loss may entitle you to extra financial support to help with day-to-day costs, but do you know what you can claim? Our mini series Bitesize Benefits will cover a range of topics related to financial and workplace support for those living with macular disease. In this episode we are joined by Dominic Milne from RNIB to discuss pensions and pension credit. This episode explores the complexities of the application and what you're entitled to. For more information on benefits available to help those living with macular disease and their families, please visit our website. The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback Eye injections can feel daunting, but they don’t have to be. In this episode of the My Macular and Me podcast, orthoptist and advanced practitioner Catherine Williamson answers common questions and clears up misconceptions to help you feel more prepared, informed and reassured about treatment.  For more information on injections and other treatments, visit our website. The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback What is epiretinal membrane? In this episode of the My Macular and Me podcast, we are joined by Dr. Teresa Sandinha, consultant ophthalmologist at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Geraldine Hoad, our head of research grants at the Macular Society, to explore this topic. If you've been diagnosed with an epiretinal membrane or you are curious of how it affects vision, this episode will provide clarity of what it is, why it develops, and what treatment options are available.  The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback In this episode of the My Macular and Me podcast, we are joined by Hannah Keegan, programmes manager at the Macular Society, and Claire Ashe, service administrator and former dispensing optician. Join us to find out how to get the most from your optician appointments, what to expect, what to bring, and how to be as prepared as possible.  For more information on eye care and eye health, please visit macularsociety.org. The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback In this special International Women's Day episode of the My Macular and Me podcast, we are joined by consultant ophthalmologist Christiana Dinah to discuss the role of women in ophthalmology and research. We explore the challenges women face in the field, why representation matters, and how we can inspire the next generation of female leaders in eye health. The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback In this episode of the My Macular and Me podcast, we are joined by guests Chris and Dawn who share their journey with macular disease. They talk through their diagnosis and it's impact, as well as how their hobbies have helped them to find joy, adapt, and maintain mental well-being during difficult times. Links to share: Instagram: Dawn, Chris Facebook: Dawn, Chris Pathway Yoga YouTube Channel Blind Man With a Backpack Blog The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback For this episode of the My Macular and Me podcast, we are revisiting one of talks from Dr Matteo Rizzi, research fellow at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, as he speaks on Stargardt disease and how it affects vision, as well as the future of gene therapy. Dr Matteo Rizzi joined the My Macular and Me podcast with Dr Omar Mahroo earlier this year to discuss photopsia and photophobia in patients with Stargardt disease. If you would like to find out more on this topic, you can listen here. For more information on registration, please visit the Macular Society website. Or if you have any questions, please get in touch at [email protected] The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback New research has found that taking a daily vitamin and mineral supplement can slow the progression of late-stage dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), otherwise known as geographic atrophy (GA). Dr Tiarnan Keenan from the National Eye Institute joins us to discuss these new findings in more detail and answer your questions. Previously, supplements, based on the AREDS2 formula, have only been recommended for those with the earlier stages of AMD. Listen to learn how this promising discovery could help maintain vision and independence longer for those with late-stage dry AMD. The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

Send us your feedback Being registered as sight impaired can often make it easier to get practical help and it may qualify you for certain benefits. In this episode of the My Macular and Me podcast, we are joined by ophthalmologist Christiana Dinah, and Macular Society Working Age and Young People's Manager, Colin Daniels, as they discuss the ins and outs of registering as sight impaired. For more information on registration, please visit the Macular Society website. Or if you have any questions, please get in touch at [email protected] The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.