Patient quote

“I would like to pass on my grateful thanks to Mr S Talks and all his nursing team of Ward 21 for the excellent treatment I received. Everyone was so kind and attentive to me, I couldn’t ask for better treatment. I appreciated it so much, and how wonderful it is to be able to see so clearly.”

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macular degeneration

A painless disorder that affects the macula (central part of the retina) in one or both eyes, causing progressive loss of vision.

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Ophthalmology (Eye Department)

Macular Degeneration Service

Contact: (0191) 282 5452 - Mr S J Talks, Consultant Ophthalmologist

Macular degeneration is a painless disorder that affects the retina in one or more usually both eyes. This condition can result in rapid loss of vision and is considered to be the leading cause of blindness in the UK today. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the most common form of macular degeneration although there are some other less common types which can affect younger people.

At the Royal Victoria Infirmary our team of eye specialists, lead by consultants Mr Talks and Mr Browning, provides a service for patients from across the North East needing treatment for macular degeneration.


A leading provider of Photodynamic Therapy and Lucentis

We were one of the first departments in the country to provide specialist photodynamic therapy (PDT) and our experienced ophthalmologists have developed a high level of expertise in the treatment of macular degeneration. We now also offer Lucentis (ranibizumab), a new drug therapy for a particular form of retina degeneration known as ‘wet’ macular degeneration.

"State of the Art" imaging facilities

Our eye department has a full range of state-of-the-art imaging facilities to help with the diagnosis and treatment of macular related conditions, including: 

  • fluorescein angiography
  • indocyanine green
  • optical coherence tomography

Our visual rehabilitation and low visual aid services provide expert guidance and support to help if you have severe visual impairment.

Our clinicians work at the forefront of research and are involved in a number of clinical trials.  This means that patients attending the centre may have the opportunity to try potential new therapies for macular degeneration.

For more information

If you would like further information on any aspect of our Macular Degeneration Service please contact:

 

 

Mr S J Talks

Consultant Ophthalmologist

 

Telephone:  (0191) 282 5452

 

You can also find lots of helpful information on the Macular Disease Society website.

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