Partnering for Better Eye Health: Our Collaboration with the Macular Society
We’re proud to announce our new partnership with the Macular Society, a leading UK charity providing vital support, research and advocacy for people living with macular disease. Together, we aim to improve awareness, expand services and support patients at every step of their eye health journey.
Supporting Ground-Breaking Research and Services
To kick off the partnership, SpaMedica employees are aiming to raise £5,000 for the Macular Society — and our Board of Directors has pledged to match those donations, doubling the impact.
A Word from Our Head of Policy
Tom Fellows, Head of Policy and Value Proposition at SpaMedica, shared:
“The Macular Society is a charity that’s close to many of our hearts,” he explains. “SpaMedica currently treats over 4,000 patients with wet age-related macular degeneration across our nationwide network of hospitals, so we have seen firsthand the impact the condition can have on people’s lives, and the benefits of early intervention. That’s why we’re delighted to be working with the Macular Society to make eye services more accessible and effective for patients with macular disease, and why we’re committed to expanding our macular service to support as many patients as possible.”
Tom added:
“From a personal perspective, I will be embarking on my fundraising challenge at the home ground of my local team, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, and SpaMedica’s head office local team, Bolton Wanderers FC, because our fathers and grandfathers who saw the football stars of the fifties and sixties are now in the high-risk category for developing macular disease. I want to do what I can to ensure those who saw Nat Lofthouse and Billy Wright play are not denied their opportunity to see Aaron Collins and Matheus Cunha play.”
Why this Matters
Approximately 40,000 patients are diagnosed with neovascular AMD each year. Seeing these patients quickly is key — rapid access to treatment can help stop or slow the progression of this degenerative condition. Like many eye diseases, the number of cases is rising, with a 29% increase in the last decade alone.
Perspective from the Macular Society
Dr Peter Bloomfield, Director of Services at the Macular Society, said:
“It’s great to see organisations like SpaMedica fundraising to support the Macular Society. Our mission is to help people with macular disease live full and independent lives while funding vital research to find a cure. Patient outcomes are at the heart of everything we do, and we welcome any initiatives that prioritise the needs of those living with this condition. We’re excited to see the creative ways the team will be raising funds this year.”
Looking Ahead
Future plans include inviting representatives from the Macular Society to visit SpaMedica hospitals and collaborate on improving local support services. We’re also equipping our teams with the tools to better signpost patients to relevant resources and support.