We met again for the first time this year at The Courtyard Restaurant. This was a welcome chance to meet up, chat and share our experiences of living with lupus. We were delighted to welcome two new members to our March meeting.

One of our newer members discussed her experience of taking Hydroxychloroquine over a number of years and the importance of being aware of the very rare, but possible side effect of retinopathy (damage to eyesight) that it can cause in some people after prolonged use. It is recommended that anyone taking taking Hydroxychloroquine, have regular eye checks. The Royal College of Opthalmologists (RCO) recommend an annual eye review, checking visual acuity and assessing for blurred vision with the reading chart and to advise patients to report any disturbed vision.

She has very kindly given us an article on the subject which we will pass on to anyone who is concerned about taking Hydroxychloroquine and the effects it can have on the eye.