Help fight Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

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.

The Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund

Founded in 2023 by the University of York, 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 

Patron Dame Judi Dench

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

Join us in making a difference

Thanks to generous donations, we’ve already funded two postgraduate research positions: a Master’s by Thesis in Macular Degeneration and our first PhD in Macular Degeneration.

Through our ‘Anna the Eye Scanner’ appeal, we’re building the York AMD Registry, helping researchers better understand the disease, improve diagnosis, and shape future screening.

Funding has already enabled the installation of a state-of-the-art OCT scanner on campus. Now, we need your help to use it to its full potential - recruiting participants, advancing research, and improving care for people at risk of sight loss.

Your donation could help drive earlier detection, better treatments, and protect people’s vision.

How you can help

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.

- Click here to Donate Online

- 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.

Contact us

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: 07896 705 106

You can also sign up online here and receive regular e-updates from the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund.

The Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund is established by the University of York. 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.