PEOPLE in North Yorkshire affected by ‘the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK’ can soon receive vital support.

The Macular Society has set up group meetings on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Selby Abbey Café in The Crescent, starting at 11am on Tuesday, August 27.

A spokesperson for the charity said macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with nearly 1.5 million people currently affected and more are at risk.

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They added that there is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable, saying that 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.

Vicky Thompson, the charity’s regional manager for Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire, said: “I’m really proud and excited with the launch of this new group for people living in and around the area of Selby I know from experience of our other support groups in the country that people who have been diagnosed with a sight loss condition do rely on them for socialising and support.

“The local group is not only welcome to new members who have been diagnosed with macular disease, but also their family, friends and carers.

“We know the peer support can be so helpful and our groups can really help people increase in confidence and become more independent.”

For more information about the Selby Macular Society Group, to become a volunteer, or to confirm your attendance for the next support group meeting, please contact Vicky Thompson on vicky.thompson@macularsociety.org