Épisodes

  • Seeking support after a macular disease diagnosis
    Jan 8 2026

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    Being diagnosed with macular disease can leave you and your family feeling isolated and uncertain about the future. Macular Society’s Advice and Information Service Manager Kevin Franklin joins our My Macular and Me podcast to discuss the main concerns people face when they are diagnosed with macular disease, as well as the support available.

    Useful information:

    • Nutrition
    • Bitesize Benefits Podcast: Personal Independence Payment: Part one, part two, part three.
    • Bitesize Benefits Podcast: Attendance Allowance: Part one, part two.
    • Treatment buddies
    • Daily living skills

    The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

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    30 min
  • Bitesize Benefits: Autumn Budget 2025
    Dec 11 2025

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    Join us as we look at the recent Autumn Budget announcement and explore what these updates could mean for those living with sight loss.

    Living with sight loss may entitle you to extra financial support to help with day-to-day costs, but do you know what you can claim? Our mini series Bitesize Benefits covers a range of topics related to financial and workplace support for those living with macular disease.

    Useful links and resources:

    • Bitesize Benefits PIP guidance: How to apply, application ins and outs, assessment and decision
    • Benefits, GOV.UK
    • Registering as sight impaired My Macular and Me podcast episode
    • Money Saving Expert Autumn budget information


    For more information on benefits available to help those living with macular disease and their families, please visit our website.

    The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

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    23 min
  • What is diabetic macular oedema?
    Nov 6 2025

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    In this episode of the My Macular and Me podcast we explore the topic of diabetic macular oedema (DMO), a leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes.

    We're joined by Samantha Da Silva, consultant ophthalmologist at Oxford Eye Hospital who specialises in medical retina disorders. Hosted by Geraldine Hoad, our Head of Research Grants, this episode explores what DMO actually is, how it develops, and the key symptoms to watch out for.

    Samantha walks us through the diagnostic process, current treatment options including anti-VEGF therapy and laser treatment, and shares practical advice for anyone newly diagnosed with the condition. We also discuss the most promising developments in DMO research and what the future holds for prevention and care.

    Whether you're living with diabetes, have been diagnosed with DMO, or are supporting someone who has, this episode provides essential information about protecting your vision and understanding your treatment options.


    Information on DMO:

    Diabetic macular oedema, Macular Society website

    Your guide to diabetic macular oedema


    The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

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    20 min
  • Clinical trials explained
    Oct 1 2025

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    Have you ever wondered about clinical trials for sight loss? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about participating in research. Join us as we talk with Gerry and Sarah from the Macular Society's research team about how clinical trials work, what to expect, and how you can get involved. Whether you're considering joining a trial or just want to learn more, this conversation will help you make informed decisions about taking part in research.

    The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

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    31 min
  • Bitesize Benefits: Welfare update
    Aug 20 2025

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    In this episode of Bitesize Benefits, we explore the government’s latest welfare reforms, what they mean for people with macular disease, and how proposed changes to benefits like PIP, Universal Credit and Access to Work could affect you.

    For more information on benefits available to help those living with macular disease and their families, please visit our website.

    The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

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    19 min
  • Parenting with sight loss
    Aug 6 2025

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    In this episode of the My Macular and Me podcast, we speak to Kelly, a mum of three living with Best disease. Kelly shares her personal journey of parenting with sight loss, from the emotional impact of her diagnosis to the challenges of family life, adapting routines, and supporting her children. This honest and heartfelt conversation explores the realities of raising a family while navigating sight loss, and the strength found in community and support.

    The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

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    40 min
  • Bitesize Benefits: Pension Credit
    May 7 2025

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    Living with sight loss may entitle you to extra financial support to help with day-to-day costs, but do you know what you can claim? Our mini series Bitesize Benefits will cover a range of topics related to financial and workplace support for those living with macular disease.

    In this episode we are joined by Dominic Milne from RNIB to discuss pensions and pension credit. This episode explores the complexities of the application and what you're entitled to.


    For more information on benefits available to help those living with macular disease and their families, please visit our website.

    The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

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    27 min
  • What to expect from anti-VEGF injections
    Apr 23 2025

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    Eye injections can feel daunting, but they don’t have to be. In this episode of the My Macular and Me podcast, orthoptist and advanced practitioner Catherine Williamson answers common questions and clears up misconceptions to help you feel more prepared, informed and reassured about treatment.

    For more information on injections and other treatments, visit our website.

    The Macular Society has been supporting people with macular conditions for over 30 years. The right information and support can help people overcome their worries and retain their independence. We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. If you or a family member need advice or support, please make sure to reach out. No one has to face macular disease alone. Please call us on 0300 3030 111.

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    30 min