Editor,—I am a retired doctor who suffers from the wet form of age related macular disease (ARMD) in both eyes. In the triangle of doctor, patient, and ARMD what are the implications for one of the key role holders, the ophthalmologists? Is there any longer a place for the phrase oft used by them “I am sorry I can do nothing further for you”.

There is in fact a lot doctors can do both in practical terms and in more subtle shifts of attitudes and behaviour. For example, general practitioners often admit they know …