Meena Puar, our optometrist in our Windsor practice, was recently nominated for an award to recognise the work she does for people with macular degeneration – the leading cause of blindness in the UK. Meena was recommended for the award because of her work in explaining what macular degeneration means to her patients, using the most up to date diagnostic equipment along with supporting literature advising how lifestyle and dietary changes can all help mitigate the long term effects of the disease.

The awards scheme is the first to be run by the national charity The Macular Disease Society which supports people with MD, the most common form of blindness in the industrialised world. More than half a million people are thought to be affected by MD in the UK, most of them over the age of 65. MD destroys a person’s central vision. Detection is often delayed because the gradual destruction of retinal cells can continue over an extended period. This is one of the reasons why regular and thorough eye-checks are important.

The Macular Disease Society’s Chief Executive, Tom Bremridge, has said of these inaugural Awards and Meena’s nomination: “Macular Disease can be a frightening and disabling condition but often patients with MD are able to enjoy life and make the best of their vision because of the wonderful work so many people do. There are doctors, nurses, optometrists, eye clinic staff, rehabilitation workers fundraisers and volunteers to whom we want to say thank you. These awards are to recognise the excellent work which goes on and I am delighted that Mrs. Puar has been nominated.”

The winners were announced at the end of September at the Society’s conference in London with presentations being made by the BBC’s disability affairs correspondent and presenter of the Radio 4 In Touch and whilst Meena did not win we are proud that her clinical skill and expertise was acknowledged by her nomination.

For more information visit the Society’s website at www.maculardisease.org or contact them at: The Macular Disease Society, tel: 01264 350551