Free counselling and emotional support for sight loss
Being diagnosed with macular disease or Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) can be overwhelming.
You might feel shocked, anxious, frightened, fearful, or worried about how your sight loss will affect your future.
Coming to terms with changes in your vision, or living with hallucinations caused by CBS, can take a toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Our free, UK-wide telephone counselling service is here to support you, providing a confidential space where you can talk openly about how you're feeling with a trained counsellor.
Waiting times
Our counselling service is currently experiencing exceptionally high demand.
The current wait for counselling is approximately 4–5 months.
We understand this may feel disappointing, and we're sorry for the delay. We're working hard to increase capacity while ensuring everyone receives high-quality support from one of our qualified counsellors
What is counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy that gives you a safe, confidential space to explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences with a trained professional.
It’s not about giving advice or telling you what to do — instead, counselling helps you:
- Understand and process difficult emotions
- Find ways to cope with change and loss
- Rebuild confidence and resilience
- Feel less alone in your experience
Our counsellors are qualified professionals with experience of supporting people affected by sight loss. They work within professional standards and follow the ethical guidance of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Many have personal or professional experience in the field.
Who the service is for
Our counselling service is for:
- People aged 18 and over living in the UK who have been diagnosed with macular disease or Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS)
- Family members, partners and carers who are emotionally affected by someone’s sight loss
You may find counselling helpful if you are struggling with the emotional impact of sight loss, including feelings of anxiety, low mood, loss of confidence, grief or loneliness.
When counselling may not be the right support
Our counselling service supports people who are experiencing emotional difficulties linked to Macular Disease or Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
Counselling may not be the right service if:
- You are currently receiving counselling or therapy from another service.
- You need urgent mental health support or are experiencing a mental health crisis.
- You are receiving support from specialist mental health services.
- You need specialist or ongoing mental health support that is outside the scope of our service.
If we are unable to offer counselling, we will do our best to help you find other sources of support.
What can I expect from counselling?
Counselling takes place over the telephone, meaning you do not need to travel or use unfamiliar technology.
Your counsellor will listen to your experiences and work with you at your own pace.
You will usually be offered up to six counselling sessions, with the possibility of further sessions if appropriate.
Your sessions are confidential, and our counsellors work within professional standards and ethical guidelines.
What people say about our counselling service
People who have used our service have told us:
“I felt listened to and understood. My counsellor helped me make sense of how I was feeling.”
“It helped me realise I wasn't alone in what I was going through.”
“Talking to someone who understood sight loss made a real difference.”
What happens after you refer?
Once we receive your referral, we will contact you within five working days.
This first call is to:
- Confirm we have received your referral
- Answer any questions you may have
- Talk through the counselling service
- Check that counselling is the right support for you
- Understand your preferred way of being contacted
This is not your counselling appointment. It is an initial conversation to make sure we can offer the right support.
Making a referral for counselling
You can refer yourself to our counselling service, or someone else can refer you with your permission.
To make a referral:
Complete our online referral form
or
Email us at counselling@macularsociety.org
If you have questions about the service or need help making a referral, you can also call our helpline on 0300 3030 111.
“When I was diagnosed, I felt very angry. The psychological impact is huge. I am a cancer survivor – I’ve beaten that. And then this came along. Counselling was really important for me; the Macular Society’s counselling service is superb – they listen and they can empathise. I needed that.”
Nick
Find the support that’s right for you:
Support services available to you
We provide free information and support to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends, to help people keep their independence.
Telephone befriending
If you feel isolated, our telephone befrienders can provide a regular friendly phone call. You can talk about living with macular disease, or not - the conversation is guided by you.
Find a support group near you
We provide virtual and face to face support, sometimes one to one and sometimes in group settings. We also run regional information events. So whatever your circumstances, there will always be an option that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
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Is the counselling service really free?
Yes. Our telephone counselling service is completely free for anyone in the UK affected by macular disease or Charles Bonnet syndrome, including family members and carers.
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How many sessions can I have?
We offer up to six sessions per year, with the option to extend to 12 if appropriate.
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How long does a session last?
Each session lasts around 50 minutes.
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How quickly can I start counselling?
We aim to contact you within five working days of receiving your referral for a short assessment call. This helps us understand your needs and confirm the service is right for you. After that, we’ll arrange your first session as soon as possible.
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Who will I be speaking to?
You’ll speak with a qualified, UK-registered counsellor who has specialist knowledge of sight loss. Many have personal or professional experience with macular disease, so they truly understand the challenges you may be facing.
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Do I have to travel anywhere?
No. All sessions take place over the phone, so you can speak from the comfort of your own home. There’s no need for travel or special technology.
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Can I have counselling if I’m already seeing another therapist?
No. Unfortunately we can’t offer our service if you’re already receiving counselling or therapy elsewhere. This is to make sure you get consistent, uninterrupted support.
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Is everything I say confidential?
Yes. What you share stays between you and your counsellor, unless we believe there is a risk of serious harm to you or someone else. We work within the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s Ethical Framework and follow all data protection regulations.
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Can someone refer me?
Yes. You can self-refer, or a family member, friend, or professional can refer you with your permission.
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Can I use the service if I live outside the UK?
Unfortunately, we can only offer counselling to people living in the UK.
Need emotional support? Get in touch today.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, low, or uncertain about the future after a diagnosis – you're not alone.
Our counselling team is here to support you.
Free confidential advice and support
Call our helpline on 0300 3030 111
Lines are open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
About the Macular Society HelplineThe Macular Society is extremely grateful to The Hearn Foundation for a generous donation of £100,000 towards our counselling services, made in memory of Marilyn Lee who sadly passed away on 30 January 2025.
Last review date: July 2026
Next review date: July 2028