A FILM highlighting the impact of the biggest cause of blindness in the UK on a mum and her young son has been shortlisted for a national award.

Andover-based charity the Macular Society has been shortlisted in the Charity Film Awards and hopes this will help raise vital awareness of a condition.

The short film, Five Years Through the Eyes of a Mum, is one of 50 to make it to the final of the prestigious award scheme.

The production illustrates the impact a diagnosis of macular disease has on people’s lives, with a young mum struggling to share precious moments with her son as he grows up.

Every day around 300 people are diagnosed with macular disease. It is the biggest cause of blindness in the UK, affecting nearly 1.5 million people.

The film was produced to raise awareness, but also to let people know that, while there is no cure, the charity says there are things people can do to look after their eyes. An eye test can often spot the early signs of macular disease and help people retain their sight.

Emma Malcolm, director of fundraising and marketing at the Macular Society, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted in the Charity Film Awards and hope this will help raise vital awareness of a condition which affects so many people in the UK. Macular disease can have a devastating impact on people’s lives and our film was based on real people’s experiences.

“Macular disease takes your dreams and plans for the future away from you. And yet, despite the devastating impact it can have, little is known about its causes and there is still no cure.”

The finalists will now be judged by an expert panel including David Eades, BBC journalist and newsreader; Philip Collins, journalist and speechwriter at The Times; and Georgina Lewis, head of marketing at the FA.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on the evening of Friday 26 April.

To view the nominated production and vote for the Macular Society’s film, go to charityfilmawards.com/videos/5-years-through-the-eyes-of-a-mum.