Rachel's Story

Rachel was diagnosed with Wet AMD in November 2022 and is currently a patient at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

I knew I had an issue with my eyes last year and made an appointment with my optometrist. I had an OCT scan that identified wet AMD. I am currently a patient of Dr Peter Cackett at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh. I have now had three injections and they have improved my eyesight.

Interesting facts about me:

I am apparently related to Samuel Pepys - I have traced my family tree back. Pepys was known to have documented ocular complaints

My Maternal Grandma was over time, blind in her left eye (presumably because she had wet macular degeneration), as did my Maternal Great Grandma.

I have had repetitive cellulitis due to insect bites and bee stings - my immune system hates me. I did wonder if my AMD was symptomatic of my reaction to bee stings last year.

I was a beekeeper for seven years and went from having a minor reaction at first, to being in hospital on a number of occasions; my last involved me being stung on the face and neck and having an instant systemic response, resulting in me having to give up beekeeping altogether. I tried getting a clinical referral for bee venom treatment pre-lockdown, but nothing was available to me. I am heartbroken about giving up my bees.

I heard about SCONe when I attended a Macular Society Zoom meeting and I am delighted to be involved in this project.