Login with email
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among older adults in the UK, affecting 700,000 people. It impacts central vision, making daily tasks like reading, driving, and recognising faces challenging. While not causing complete blindness, AMD significantly reduces quality of life.
Founded in 2023 by the University of York, in partnership with Hull York Medical School, the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund supports cutting-edge research to improve diagnosis and treatment for AMD. By making a gift, you can help improve the lives of people living with AMD.
At the helm is Professor Richard Gale, an internationally recognised expert in retinal diseases. His research is dedicated to translating discoveries into real-world treatments that can make a difference to those affected by AMD.
“Thank you to everyone who supports our mission. Together, we can
advance early detection, improve treatments, and change lives.” - Professor Richard Gale, Professor of
Ophthalmology, Hull York Medical School. Honorary Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist, York and Scarborough
Teaching Hospitals NHS foundation Trust
We are deeply honoured that Dame Judi Dench, an Honorary Graduate of the University of York, has accepted the role of Patron of The Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund.
Upon accepting her role as Patron, Dame Judi said:
“I was pleased to be asked to be a Patron of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund. York holds a special place in my heart as I was born and raised in the city, and I was delighted to learn that the fund will boost the first class research being done by Hull York Medical School and the University of York on early diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration.”
Photo credit: Robert Wilson
Thanks to the growing number of generous supporters, we’ve already been able to fund two full-time research positions.
- A Master’s student working on biomarkers for AMD treatment
- A PhD researcher beginning in 2025, thanks to the generosity of the Burgess Family.
We’re also excited to announce that the James Burgess Lecture at the York Festival of Ideas 2025 will focus on AMD.
But we need your help to do more. Donations from people like you are incredibly important, enabling researchers to make advancements in the detection and treatments for this devastating disease.
Your gift can make a significant difference in AMD research. By donating, you’ll directly support the life-changing work being carried out at York and by our global research partners.
- By Cheque: Payable to "University of York," and include a note to let us know your gift is for the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund, mailed to Vicky Patteson, OPPA, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD.
If you are not currently in a position to make a donation, you can still support this work by helping to spread the word so that we can reach as many people as possible.
For questions, to discuss larger donations, and to be added to the fund’s emailing list, please contact:
Sharon Oakley
Philanthropy Manager
Email: sharon.oakley@york.ac.uk
mobile: 07795 315 108
The Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund is established by the University of York, in partnership with Hull York Medical School. The Fund is powered by philanthropy and charitable donations. Charitable donations for the fund will be accepted and stewarded by the University of York, a recognised exempt charity under Schedule 3 of the Charitable Act 2011. 100% of all funds raised will go to the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund.