A SUPPORT group has been launched in Exmouth for people with a vision-loss condition. The Macular Disease Society will hold meetings at the RAFA Club, on Imperial Road, on the first Tuesday of every month at 10.30am.

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A SUPPORT group has been launched in Exmouth for people with a vision-loss condition.

The Macular Disease Society will hold meetings at the RAFA Club, on Imperial Road, on the first Tuesday of every month at 10.30am.

Linda Slade, who lived in Exmouth for more than 20 years and who runs the Exeter group, said more awareness needed to be raised about macular disease.

Pleased that a branch in Exmouth had been formed, Linda, 55, explained: "I am now registered blind as I have macular disease. I was diagnosed when I was about 15-years-old.

"Not many people know what causes it."

Macular degeneration causes the loss of central vision mainly among people in the latter part of their lives.

There are two types of the condition which include dry MD, a steady deterioration of the eye's cell and wet MD, which results from the growth of abnormal blood vessels lying behind the macula.

"There needs to be better awareness made to macular diseases," added Linda, who now lives in Teignmouth, Devon.

For more information about the Macular Disease Society group in Exmouth, contact Joanne on 01395 265092.

ENDS