Fort William

A SUPPORT group for people with sight loss based in Fort William has joined forces with leading national sight loss charity the Macular Society.

Lochaber Friendship Group for the Visually Impaired has agreed to become an affiliated Macular Support Group. Run by local volunteers, with support from the Macular Society, the group will offer information, encouragement and friendship to people affected by macular disease and other sight loss conditions.

Maureen Dempsey, chairwoman of the Lochaber Friendship Group for the Visually Impaired, said: ‘We’re delighted to affiliate our group with the Macular Society and reach out to anyone who is visually impaired with the promise of a warm welcome.’

The Macular Society is the national charity for anyone affected by central vision loss. It provides free information and support to improve lives and ensure no-one has to face macular disease alone. With more than 350 support groups around the UK, the Macular Society helps people adapt to life with sight loss.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central vision and is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK, affecting more than 600,000 people. More people are affected as our population ages. The Macular Society’s work in Scotland is generously supported by grant funders, including the RS Macdonald Charitable Trust. The first meeting of the newly-affiliated group will take place on Thursday April 19 at the Lochy Bar, Caol, at 12.30pm for 1pm. The group will then meet on the third Thursday of each month at various local venues. For more information about the group, contact Maureen Dempsey on 01397 700097.