A NEW acupuncture treatment and a chance meeting at Selby Abbey has helped save the sight of a York pensioner.

Josie Tomlin, of Heslington, York, had to cross the Atlantic to find a remedy for a condition that could have resulted in her losing her vision.

Today, she called for the treatment, which they say produces "miraculous" results, to be made available in this country.

Josie, 75, an accomplished pianist, was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) seven years ago. The condition causes a gradual and eventually total loss of central vision.

She was told that apart from antioxidant and vitamin supplements, there was nothing that could halt the process.

But her daughter, who lives in America, met an acupuncturist who told her about a new treatment.

The technique, known as microacupuncture, stimulates blood circulation. In many cases it can prevent the disorder getting worse.

Despite initial scepticism, Josie travelled to a clinic in New Jersey in May last year, and was delighted with the results.

She said: "It was as if someone had cleared my eyes out with a dustpan and brush."

Back in England, Josie met Edward Croot, of Cawood, near Selby, at the abbey, where they are both members of the church choir.

Edward was diagnosed with ARMD in 2003, but when Josie told him about her experience he decided to try it too.

Edward, 63, a retired BBC film editor, said: "Just before I left, I could hardly read music.

"It was as if the notes were moving around on the page."

"In January I flew out to America for a fortnight's treatment. Within days I was able to watch TV in my hotel room without glasses - something I couldn't do when I arrived.

"I was devastated when I was diagnosed with ARMD, but I got lucky when I met Josie. Without her I would never have known about microacupuncture."

Josie has since undergone a second course of treatment, and will fly out again in May.

She said: "I will have to go back every six months - if I do nothing I will lose most of my sight.

"ARMD affects so many people, it just seems ridiculous that microacupuncture isn't available in this country."

Age-related macular degeneration affects about one per cent of people aged 65-75, and one in eight people over 85. It causes a loss of central vision, essential for reading, driving and recognising faces. The condition is painless, but symptoms include visual blurring, such as straight lines appearing wavy.

Updated: 14:04 Wednesday, March 30, 2005