MACS- the UK’s national charity for children born without eyes or with underdeveloped eyes.

MACS started life in 1993 as a small support group run by, and for, parents whose children were born with Anophthalmia, Microphthalmia and/ or Coloboma. These terms mean that the eye/s are missing, or are small and underdeveloped. Approximately 80 to 90 affected children are born in the UK every year and MACS – as the UK’s only charity supporting people with these specific conditions – has grown in response.

Despite this, we’ve stayed true to our roots, continuing to place the needs of our community at the core of all that we do. Impact on sight can vary greatly. A child born with bilateral Anophthalmia has no eyes and no vision. Children like our cover girl, Aurora, born with unilateral (affecting one eye only) Microphthalmia, or Coloboma, may have very limited or no vision in that eye, but get along well with the other, functioning eye. As they grow, many children undergo repeated procedures to fit prosthetic eyes. These artificial eyes help to expand the eye socket, allowing the skull to grow at a normal rate, and usually look just like a real eye.

How can MACS help?

MACS welcomes all affected UK-based parents, carers, children and adults as members to our warm and supportive community. Our services provide a lifeline to those who struggle with the impact of MACS conditions.

Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia & Coloboma Support
Support line & enquiries T: 0800 169 8088 E: enquiries@macs.org.uk Fundraising T: 0800 644 6017 E: fundraising@macs.org.uk www.macs.org.uk

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