There are lots of people you can talk to for advice and support: 

•  Sight loss service charities

RNIB have a telephone helpline and a sight loss counselling team, and Macular Society have local support groups and a telephone counselling service.

• Your GP or social worker may be able to find you a counsellor.

• Your Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) can provide practical and emotional support

AMD affects your central vision, but does not lead to total blindness, and there are lots of things you can do to make the most of your remaining vision.

• Use low vision aids like magnifiers, large-print books/magazines/newspapers/playing cards, and screen readers.

• Use brighter lighting

• Use colour to make things clearer

• Ask for a referral to your low vision service who can help with eccentric viewing training to allow you to read using your peripheral vision.

• Ask your ophthalmologist if you are eligible to register as sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (blind). This can help you access more expert help and financial concessions.

• Speak to local social services about setting up your home so you can move around easily, and mobility training to help you go out safely.

• Being diagnosed with AMD does not automatically mean you are no longer able to drive a car, but you should speak to your ophthalmologist about whether you need to report your eye condition to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). They will be able to advise you.

Researchers are working all the time to find new treatments for AMD. Have a look at our AMD funded research section to see if there are any new developments which could help you, and discuss these with your ophthalmologist.