George McCulloch Kay was self-employed as a salesperson when he was first diagnosed with wet AMD.
Only 56 at the time, he still had years to go in his career, but the disease put an end to all of that. Since the disease affects central vision (in an area of the retinal called the macula), George found that he could no longer recognize faces, read the numbers on his clients’ front doors, or drive his car - all essential tasks in his profession. “Unfortunately, because of AMD I had to give up my career. If that wasn’t bad enough, it also had a significant impact on my finances,” he says regretfully.
But George’s luck changed after he got help. His vision had deteriorated badly prior to his diagnosis, particularly in his right eye. He received laser treatment, and the therapy stopped his condition from worsening. It even restored some of the vision he had lost in his left eye.
Today George gets along well with the vision he has. He gardens by splitting his yard into sections to keep a mental picture of where everything is planted. He often can’t see the grass he is cutting, but he can see enough to finish the job safely. George lives with his wife, and they have two sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren. His family and friends help him to get around for shopping trips, medical appointments and outings.
They have also been very supportive and have helped him to remain positive over the years. “I’ve learned to adapt to AMD and make the most of it,” says George. Now 74, he has become chairman of the Edinburgh branch of the Macular Disease Society of the United Kingdom.
“I’m happy to spend time raising awareness and funds for this cause,” he says. “If I can help others going through the same experience, I will.”
