OcuPlan and Macular Society partner to prevent unnecessary sight loss
OcuPlan are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with leading sight loss charity, the Macular Society.
The partnership aims to improve the lives of people with macular disease, by enabling them to maintain their independence for longer. Both organisations will collaborate to continue OcuPlan’s mission and help prevent unnecessary sight loss caused by lack of access to vital eye care services.
OcuPlan is donating £50,000 to the Macular Society to help in its mission to beat macular disease with groundbreaking research and vital support services. Throughout the partnership the organisations will work together to ensure eye care services are delivered to all communities across the UK.
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with OcuPlan and Simplyhealth. Making good quality, clinical care affordable will make a huge difference to people living with macular disease and go a long way in helping prevent unnecessary sight loss.” Cathy Yelf, chief executive of the Macular Society.
Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK affecting at least 1.5m people. The most common type of the condition is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), mostly affecting people over the age of 50. Due to our ageing population, the number of people with AMD is estimated to double by 2050.
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.
“I just remember going home and breaking down, I cried so much I literally couldn’t breathe. I sometimes wonder when I think back, how I got through those first few days.” Katie, Macular Society Member
The Macular Society work tirelessly to help those living with macular disease. Whether they're answering helpline calls, offering practical support, or raising the funds for research, they are committed to achieving their mission: to Beat Macular Disease.
“I can only describe the support from the Macular Society as a life raft that I could cling on to when I was at my worst. You essentially gave me hope.” Declan, Macular Society Member
Due to the nature and prevalence of dry AMD, it is common that patients receive a different experience when learning they have the signs. Optometrists can often see the early signs of AMD by examining the patient’s retina, they are often unable to refer patients to NHS consultants unless they see signs of wet AMD. This can result in many patients receiving late diagnoses and being unaware of the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of sight loss.
Ocuplan now offers patients the choice of the best quality care at affordable prices through a nationwide network of consultant ophthalmologists and opticians across the UK. And for optometrists, it offers an affordable, fast, reliable referral pathway to support patients with AMD.
We are hoping that by providing a donation to the Macular Society and by working together we can make a difference to the lives of those living with macular disease.
“Macular disease already affects millions of people and the problem is set to get worse as people struggle to get the care they need to prevent sight loss. The Macular Society receives no public funding, so we are honoured to be able to work together to support people affected by the disease and help fund the vital research to find a cure.” Richard Guest, general manager of OcuPlan
You can find out more about the amazing work that the Macular Society do to provide support to people living with macular disease here - https://www.macularsociety.org/support/
If you're living with AMD and would like to know how OcuPlan can provide ultimate peace of mind through regular monitoring, you can find out more here. You can also join OcuPlan for free, we help you with guidance and reassurance including a rapid advice line if you notice a change in your vision and the chance to ask our consultants any questions, any time. Click the link below to find out more. If you have any other questions, please call our helpful support team on 0207 173 5200
About OcuPlan
OcuPlan offers the gold standard of clinical care for patients with long-term eye conditions to help minimise the risk of sight loss.