THIS question is often asked by those with Retinal dystrophies including people of working age and younger with one of the most causes of sight loss in their age groups: Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Information and opportunities are out there. In your area you could contact your hospital, social services eye team, the local Association for Visual Impairment, CAB and the job centre. But where can you find all this help in one place?

The Retinal Awareness Group (RAG) is holding its 18th Blackpool Weekend from Friday, March 21 to Sunday, April 2 at the Carousel Hotel. The aim is to provide information and advice about living and coping with failing sight today.

Professor Alan Bird from Moorfields Eye Hospital, a world expert on retinal dystrophies will explain the eye conditions and answer your questions. Other presentations will include employment, education, mobility, travelling overseas and coping generally. We will also split into discussion groups concerned with sight problems, parents with affected children and, very importantly, family and partners living with us and our sight problems.

Exhibitions will cover aids for the home and employment, glasses to reduce glare and DSS benefits. The charity 'Sense' will be there for those with both sight and hearing problems and will provide a loop system.

I represent a self-help group of people with genetic eye conditions, and if you require more information please phone me on 0207 794 9502, send an SAE or email colinbbennett@palmeria.org.uk.

There will be several organised events at our Blackpool weekend and many people in your position simply wishing to share experiences. Please join us.

Mrs Nicole Woodin

Dennis Haig

Care Broker

Older Persons Rushmoor