Macular Disease Foundation Australia

09/10/2026

Celebrating the impact of exceptional eye care across Australia 💙

With more than 100 nominations received from across the country for the Eye Connect Healthcare Award, we were humbled to read the heartfelt stories shared by people living with vision loss and eye conditions.

These quotes highlight the compassion, professionalism and dedication of healthcare professionals who go above and beyond to support their patients every day.

✨ "I felt more confident that I was receiving the best advice regarding my AMD. I felt respected and more included in the process... This has made me feel less anxious." – NSW

✨ "The doctor and his wonderful team have always taken time to answer any of my questions... It ensures a knowledge of my condition which makes it much easier to cope with and manage." – VIC

✨ "Their care has made a meaningful difference to my life... I feel reassured and supported at every appointment." – QLD

✨ "She is always prepared to treat me as a human being and a person with a genuine desire to understand what is happening." – WA

✨ "Dr Tim explained exactly what the problem was without swamping me with too much information... and was reassuring when I was concerned about treatment." – SA

✨ "They are just so friendly and professional... They make what is an unpleasant condition and treatment so much easier to deal with." – ACT

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a healthcare professional.

Read more on the winner of the Eye Connect Health Care Award winner here https://bit.ly/4rQOkky

09/10/2026

Thinking about taking supplements for age-related macular degeneration?

There’s a lot of information online, but not all of it is accurate. Research from the AREDS and AREDS2 studies shows that specific supplements may help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for some people with AMD. They are not a cure, but they may help slow progression of the disease.

Not all supplements are the same, and they may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you take other medications. Always speak with your eye health professional or doctor before starting any new supplement.

Have questions? Our friendly team is here to help.
Call the Macular Disease Foundation Australia Helpline on 1800 111 709 or visit our website for more information.

08/10/2026

Living well with changing vision session

Join us to discover practical ways to live well with vision loss and learn about the support available for people experiencing changes to their vision.

We’ll share practical tips, helpful technology and everyday strategies to make navigating vision changes easier.

Monday 12 October
Charlestown Library

To register or find out more, call our Helpline on 1800 111 709.

08/10/2026

Eye Connect Healthcare Award Winner
Honouring exceptional eye care on World Sight Day

Macular Disease Foundation Australia, in partnership with mivision, is delighted to announce ophthalmologist Dr Stephen Ong as the winner of the inaugural Eye Connect Healthcare Award.

🔗Read more at the link below

South West Vision Institute

Macular Disease Foundation Australia, in partnership with mivision, is delighted to announce ophthalmologist Dr Stephen Ong as the winner of the inaugural Eye Connect Healthcare Award.

07/10/2026

For the first time, telephone assisted voting will be available to eligible voters for the 2026 Tasmanian local government elections.

Voters with low vision or blindness are able access this service early, on Thursday 8 October and Friday 9 October, from 9am to 5pm.

Telephone assisted voting will also be available for all eligible voters, including voters who are interstate or overseas, from Monday 12 October to Friday 23 October, 9am to 5pm on weekdays only.

To vote by phone, call 1800 801 701 and follow the telephone voting menu option.

🔗For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3TjUfCc

05/10/2026

Eye Connect Healthcare Award finalist spotlight: Emily Luu

Congratulations to Emily Luu, Orthoptist and finalist in the 2026 Eye Connect Healthcare Award.

Nominated by community member Andrew, Emily was recognised for helping patients navigate a macular disease diagnosis with clear communication, guidance and compassionate care.

Andrew shared:

"Receiving a diagnosis of macular disease was a real shock at first. Emily and her team of highly trained professionals tirelessly worked through the issues and clearly explained the options available and how best to proceed."

Congratulations to Emily and all finalists. The winner will be announced on 8 October to coincide with World Sight Day 2026.

🔗Read more https://bit.ly/4gRYMEP

02/10/2026

The Macular Disease Foundation Australia office will be closed on Monday, 5th October, due to the NSW Labour Day public holiday.

During this time, our team will be unavailable. We will respond to all enquiries as soon as possible when we reopen Tuesday 6th October.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable public holiday.

02/10/2026

Join us this World Sight Day!

Visit the Macular Disease Foundation Australia stall at the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation Open Day on Thursday 8 October, 10am-2pm.

Pick up free information, Amsler grids and MDFA tote bags, and learn more about living well with macular disease.

This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone interested in eye health.

🔗 Register for free: https://bit.ly/4yKH4K1

01/10/2026

Our Patron, Ita Buttrose AC OBE was recently celebrated at the My Guardian Gala with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her enormous contribution to the Australian community. Presented by NSW Premier, The Hon. Chris Minns, MP, Ita’s award acknowledged her work as Patron of Macular Disease Foundation Australia and Dementia Australia, and her tireless efforts to advocate on behalf of older Australians.

MDFA CEO, Dr Kathy Chapman, joined a panel of experts from the Ingham Institute, Westmead Institute, Heart Research Institute and Multicultural NSW to discuss critical health issues affecting our society, including the increasing prevalence and impact of macular disease in this country.

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research

01/10/2026

Today is International Day of Older Persons

Living longer should mean living well, with health, security and dignity.

If you’re living with age-related macular degeneration or a diabetes-related eye condition, Eye Connect offers trusted information, guidance and support to help you stay connected and confident.

Join Eye Connect today.
Click the link below or call 1800 111 709.
🔗https://bit.ly/4y6fR3m