A GWENT optometrist has been nominated for a national award by his patients, for his “outstanding” work in helping them cope with a restricting eye disease.

Andrew Millington, of Millington Dawson Optometrists in Chepstow, is in the running for the optometrist of the year award, part of the Macular Society’s Awards for Excellence.The society is the national charity for people affected by central vision loss, and Mr Millington’s nomination recognises what it calls his “exceptionally good practice” in the care of people with macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects central vision and is the UK’s most common cause of sight loss.

“It is a great honour to be nominated and I am especially pleased to have been nominated by my patients,” said Mr Millington.

“AMD is a dreadful condition to live with and to know that I have helped someone enough that they have taken the trouble to nominate me is heart-warming.”

“I have seen how much difference improving someone’s vision can make, even if it is only a little bit and feel privileged to be able to help.”