DORSET County Hospital’s eye clinic has been shortlisted for a national award after being labelled as “exceptional” by its patients.

The clinic’s macular service is in the running for the ‘Clinical service of the year’ as part of eye charity The Mascular Society’s annual excellence awards.

The shortlisting for the Dorchester-based service states that the clinic has been recognised for its “exceptionally good practice in the care of people with macular degeneration”.

Nearly 5,000 people in Dorset are believed to suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects the central vision and is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK.

‘Clinical service of the year’ is an award for medical staff, teams or services which provide diagnosis or treatment for macular disease, and which demonstrate good practice in the care of people with central vision loss. Dr Dimitrios Carayannopoulos, ophthalmology doctor at the clinic, added: “We especially want to thank our consultants, who always help and guide us with their knowledge, experience and expertise, and keep us motivated to provide optimum care to our patients.

“We also extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the team members in the eye department. Without their help and support, this honour would not have been possible.”

Tony Rucinski, chief executive of the Macular Society, said: “The macular service team at Dorset County Hospital do an incredible job and we are delighted that they have been recognised for their excellent work.

“The awards ceremony will be held in London on September 27.