Judi Dench made patron of eyesight loss fund

Dame Judi Dench has been made patron of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund

Dame Judi Dench has become patron of a fund aimed at supporting research into vision loss and blindness.

The Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund was established by the University of York and the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) to help raise money for research into age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The Oscar-winning star previously revealed she was diagnosed with AMD in 2012, leaving her struggling to read scripts and recognise faces.

Dame Judi, 89, said she was "delighted" to back projects seeking to improve treatment of the condition.

AMD affects the central area of vision, the University of York said, making activities such as reading, driving, watching television and recognising faces difficult.

About 700,000 adults in the UK have AMD, with a recent government report finding its prevalance was much higher in Yorkshire and the Humber when compared to other parts of England.

"York holds a special place in my heart as I was born and raised in the city," Dame Judi said.

"I was delighted to learn that the fund will boost the first-class research being done by HYMS and the University of York on early diagnosis and treatment of AMD.”

Prof Matthias Ruth, pro-vice-chancellor for research at the university, said: "Her understanding of the condition and empathy with those who are living with AMD make a significant contribution to highlighting the need for more investment in research, which will serve as a basis for improved diagnosis and treatments."

The York-born actor's career includes her Oscar-winning role in Shakespeare in Love and her portrayal of M in the James Bond films.

She previously spoke about her AMD diagnosis and how she has adapted her life to address some of the challenges, including having scripts read to her rather than reading them herself.

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