A KEIGHLEY and Cross Hills opticians which is involved in a major new study hopes many more patients could now take part after a change in criteria.

Airedale Opticians is participating in the USA-led genetic screening study Telescope, aimed at advancing research into the condition dry macular degeneration – which affects the middle part of people's vision.

"Previously a person who had macular degeneration and was diagnosed with geographic atrophy in either eye was able to take part in the study – provided they hadn't had any previous treatment for wet macular degeneration in either eye," says optometrist Mohammed Hafejee, of Airedale Opticians.

"Unfortunately this criteria excluded a large number of patients.

"However an update to the criteria now allows patients who have had wet macular degeneration in one eye previously and received treatment, usually eye injections, to take part – provided the patient has not had any injections for the last six months.

"This should hopefully enable many more people to take part."

Mr Hafejee added: "We have already referred some patients to Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and they are due to undergo treatment soon."

Airedale Opticians was the only opticians in Yorkshire chosen to participate in the study.