AN ALRESFORD optometrist could win a national award for the second time for his treatment of Britain's most common cause of sight loss.

Andrew Matheson, of Matheson Optometrists in West Street, has been nominated optometrist of the year by the Macular Society, which recognises professionals tackling macular degeneration.

He was honoured by the society's Awards for Excellence in 2013 and said he was delighted to be nominated again.

He said: "Being nominated for this award is very moving and helps reinforce my desire to provide the best care for my patients, especially those with macular disease. It obviously reflects favourably not only what I am doing, but more importantly my whole team of clinical staff providing this service in our area.

"I enjoy helping all my patients but macular degeneration patients form a large percentage of by patient base. Now that we have effective treatments for wet macular degeneration, it is important we pick it up early and treat it promptly.”

Judges will determine the winners and present awards at the Society’s annual London conference on September 26.

Cathy Yelf, Chief Executive of the Macular Society, said: “It is clear from his nomination that Mr Matheson works hard to improve the lives of people affected by macular degeneration, with excellence in advice and information."