MACS The Micro and Anophthalmic Children’s Society was formed in 1993, by a group of parents, all of whom had children with microphthalmia (small formed eyes), anophthalmia (no eyes) and coloboma (sight problems). Until then, most of them didn't know of any other children like their own and children with these conditions did not have the opportunity to meet each other, support each other and learn from each other.

MACS are helping to change all that.

The Sunday Observer Newspaper found all the families who initially set up MACS. At the time, the newspaper was investigating the possible link between these eye conditions and commonly used pesticides. The Newspaper put the families they had found in touch with each other and MACS was formed.

At present, no single cause has been identified for the group of eye conditions that children supported by MACS are affected by. The possible link with the environment and genetic causes are both still being investigated. MACS support these research projects, by assisting the professional's under taking the studies. However, this is not our main focus; we specialize in providing family support and a range of related services.

MACS are a Registered Charity in the UK and is run by volunteer parents with children who have the eye conditions, and by young people who are directly affected. Mutual support, from people who know what you are experiencing, either as a parent or young person, is something that we passionately believe in that is why the charity is run entirely by volunteers who understand what is needed.

MACS have family members all over the World and are linked to groups in the UK, Europe and the USA. We offer support and information to parents and professionals, send out a Newsletter regularly and put families in touch with others in similar circumstances to themselves, so that they can support each other. We also provide beneficial rest for parents and children at each of our three holiday locations in Cornwall, Dorset and The Lake District. And help provide equipment and other items that many MACS members need such as laptops, specialized living equipment, talking phones, speech programmes, Braille printers, musical lessons and many other items too numerous to mention.

Each year MACS have a family weekend in which we incorporate our AGM. This gives families both old and new a chance to meet one another, make new friends and learn about how to cope and understand the different issues that we all come up against in day to day living.

We have come a long way since our humble beginnings back in 1993, but know that there is still a lot more to be done, if we are to achieve better understanding of the eye conditions, to fully support those affected by these conditions and for their families, and to improve opportunities for people with microphthalmia, anophthalmia, coloboma and related eye conditions. The committee is dedicated volunteers who all have a MACS child and have many ideas for the future to make these aims realities.

Many people help raise funds for MACS. This includes the 100 plus runners who run the London marathon every year and help to provide excellent financial support. And the Ladies who run the Flora light every year in London and Birmingham and the many events around the UK organized by MACS families, friends and organizations.