STAFF at a North-East eye clinic have been nominated for a national award after being praised by patients.

Consultant ophthalmologist Chrisjan Dees and the eye clinic team at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough are in the running for the 'clinical service of the year' award.

The nomination for the Macular Societys Awards for Excellence recognises exceptionally good practice in the care of people with macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central vision and is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK. More people are affected as our population ages.

Mr Dees said: "In the past few years we've built up a dedicated and highly skilled team here and not only is it very gratifying to be able to do so much more in preserving sight, but it is also deeply appreciated when our teamwork has been recognised by someone who has benefitted from our service."

Sally Doree, a patient who nominated the team, said: "I have found Mr Dees, and his team to be compassionate, friendly, caring, professional and extremely understanding on every occasion when I visit the Eye Department. They have helped me to learn to live with my eye condition, and their careful monitoring ensures that I can maintain my quality of life and independence as normally as possible."

The team's nomination will now be handed over to the judges, who will decide on the overall winners and present them with their awards at the Society's annual London conference on September 28.

Helen Jackman, chief executive of the Macular Society charity, said: "Chrisjan Dees and the team at The James Cook University Hospital do an incredible job in Middlesbrough."