Macular Disease Foundation Australia, the national peak body representing the estimated 1.9 million Australians living with macular disease,1,2 has launched Eye Connect – Australia’s first comprehensive and free support service for people living with the country’s leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness. 

Each year, thousands of Australians hear the words, “You have age-related macular degeneration (AMD)”.

Studies have shown that only 56 per cent of patients with macular disease recall receiving a clear diagnosis, including the name of their condition,3 with 58 per cent of patients unable to recall receiving any lifestyle modification advice from their eyecare professional.4 

Macular Disease Foundation Australia has responded to this alarming knowledge gap with its new Eye Connect service.  

Offering a range of tailored support, the service provides evidence-based information and guidance that people can rely on and access in between appointments with their eyecare professional, including: 

• Health information: people are provided with evidence-based information about macular disease, and non-clinical support services to help them confidently manage their condition.  

• Practical advice: Tips and guidance on things like nutrition for healthy eyes, immediate care after their appointments, daily living with reduced or low vision, and transport advice.  

• Emotional support: For some, a diagnosis of macular disease – or living with an eye condition – can be a difficult time. The Eye Connect team can help patients manage some of the worries and concerns they may have about their diagnosis and treatment. Eye Connect can also connect people to peer support where they can connect with trained volunteers and other people also living with macular disease.  

“I was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration around November last year during my initial visit to the optometrist,” said Helen, who participated in the Eye Connect pilot program. 

“I am grateful to be a part of this program. My understanding of AMD has significantly improved.” 

According to Helen, all the questions she had during my initial diagnosis were answered, and the follow-up calls from the Macular Disease Foundation team have been very helpful in resolving any remaining doubts she may have had.  

“I feel like I have someone besides my doctor whom I can turn to and clarify my doubts,” she said. 

CEO of Macular Disease Foundation Australia, Dr Kathy Chapman, highlighted that the main priority of the new Eye Connect service is to help people access the support they need to live well with macular disease when they are not with their eyecare professional. 

“We know that many people struggle to remember their eye care professional’s advice when they are in the midst of their day-to-day lives,” Dr Chapman said. “Our new service offers information people can trust and connect with when they need to. 

“I encourage people living with macular disease and their carers to contact us to find out more about how Eye Connect can support them.” 

Approximately 1.5 million Australians over the age of 50 years have some evidence of AMD.1 It is anticipated this figure will rise to an estimated 1.7 million people by 2030.2 

Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, affects 1 in 3 Australians aged over 50 who have diabetes. 

Supporting people with diabetic eye disease will be a major focus in the expansion of the Eye Connect service in the near future.