The Guernsey Macular Society was launched in June 2014 by Bill Gardiner and Tilly Fisken.  It is a self-help group for islanders who are coping with the difficulties presented by macular degeneration, a condition that affects central vision creating a blind spot and distorting the surrounding image, leaving sufferers to rely on their peripheral vision.  The group currently has a membership of almost sixty and meets on the second Wednesday of every month at St Martins Community Centre from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.  Its aim is to provide support and information to its members through shared experiences and coping techniques as well as through its affiliation to the national Macular Disease Society.
Age-related Macular Degeneration “AMD” is the predominant disease, affecting 12% of people over 80, but in addition to this dystrophies and genetic disorders that have similar symptoms can impact younger people; there are 70,000 new diagnoses every year.  The condition is frustrating, debilitating and devastating for people if they are not getting the right kind of support and help.  In the two years since its formation the Guernsey Macular Society is very proud of its achievements and the positive approach of its members, through the opportunity of joining with the Guernsey Disability Alliance it is hoped that additional support and awareness can be gained, especially through the We All Matter Eh? ‘Hidden Disabilities’ initiative.
Contact Name: Bill Gardiner
Contact Email: [safe_email]billandvivg@cwgsy.net[/safe_email] Contact No: 07781 130772
Meetings: Second Wednesday every month
Time: 13:30 to 15:00
Venue: St Martins Community Centre