Macular Disease Foundation Australia

22/11/2025

Australian media icon and Patron of Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) Ita Buttrose AC OBE, alongside renowned dementia expert Professor Henry Brodaty AO, joined UNSW Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing for a national conversation exploring leadership, ageing with purpose, and the importance of compassion and research in brain health.

What you’ll hear in the episode:
- Honest insights on ambition, resilience and women finding their voice
- How ageing is about curiosity, social connection, and meaning are the true measures of vitality.
- Reflections on her father’s experience with dementia, compassion and the role of research
- A powerful message on legacy and using your voice to make an impact

Watch the full conversation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEGVcLaJHag

Join Australian icon Ita Buttrose AC OBE and Professor Henry Brodaty AO for a rare and intimate online conversation celebrating the release of Ita’s new book...

19/11/2025

Small adjustments in the kitchen can make daily tasks safer and easier for people with vision loss.

Here are a few simple ideas from our Living Well with Vision Loss publication:
- Use contrasting colours
Choose dishes and cookware that stand out clearly against your countertop or stovetop.
- Make boundaries easier to see
Outline counter edges and electrical outlets with wide tape in a contrasting colour.
- Improve table visibility
Pair light-coloured dishes with a dark tablecloth or vice versa - to increase contrast.
- Add tactile guides
Mark frequently used oven settings with adhesive tactile labels such as Velcro spots.

18/11/2025

Colin’s family had such fond memories of life on the farm, before age-related macular disease (AMD) took it all away.

Colin had always loved being a farmer but once his sight started to go, he just couldn’t keep up with all the work. It broke their hearts the day they had to sell the farm. The family can no longer stand to see the old farm anymore as it’s a reminder of everything they have lost.

Without research there is no hope for a cure for AMD. This Christmas, your gift will fund research to save other families the same heartbreak.

Click here to donate and hear Colin’s story: https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/donate-to-our-appeal-today/

13/11/2025

Living with diabetic retinopathy or macular oedema? This World Diabetes Day, take the first step towards protecting your vision.

Eye Connect is our free and personalised support service providing tailored and reliable information for people living with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema.

With Eye Connect, you’ll find support, guidance and confidence to manage your eye health. Take the Eye Connect Check and see if we can help at www.mdfoundation.com.au/eye-connect-check

13/11/2025

“Staying on top of regular check-ups, leaning on the people around you, and taking things one day at a time has made all the difference for me.”

Jo, a member of our community, lives with diabetic macular oedema – a serious eye condition that can cause progressive damage to your macula before you even notice any changes in your vision. That’s exactly what happened to Jo.

Tomorrow is World Diabetes Day, and to mark the occasion, Jo has kindly shared her diagnosis story to help raise awareness and encourage others to prioritise their eye health.

Read Jo’s full story here: https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/news/facing-the-unknown/

If you or someone you love is living with diabetic macular oedema or diabetic retinopathy, Eye Connect is here to help. It’s our free support program offering information, guidance, and connection to others who understand - https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/eye-health-support-when-you-need-it/

10/11/2025

Today, we honour and remember all who served in wars and conflicts.

08/11/2025

Jo felt terrified when she was told she needed eye injections for her diabetes-related eye condition.

If you or a loved one feels the same, contact Eye Connect. It’s a free service from Macular Disease Foundation Australia that offers evidence-based and personalised support.

Take the free 60-second check to get you to the tailored support for your vision: https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/eye-connect-check or call us on 1800 111 709.

07/11/2025

PRPH2-associated retinal dystrophy is one of the most common inherited retinal diseases in Western Australia - but there’s still much to uncover about how it develops.

That’s why our 2025 funded researcher Dr Samuel McLenachan and his team at the Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia, are studying how different variations in the PRPH2 gene and related genes influence how this condition appears and progresses. By deepening our understanding of these genetic changes, their research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better predictions for people living with inherited retinal diseases.

Help us support researchers to bring hope for sight: https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/get-involved/donate/donate-to-our-christmas-appeal-2/

04/11/2025

Every breakthrough begins with a single act of generosity. With an extraordinary $500,000 gift by long-time friend and supporter Elisabeth Macdonald, we established the Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award, funding life-changing research for people living with macular disease in rural and regional settings, far from specialist care.

This Christmas, you can continue Elisabeth’s legacy of compassion and vision. Donate today and help us reach our 25th anniversary goal of raising $1 million to protect sight for generations to come - https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/get-involved/donate/donate-to-our-christmas-appeal-2/

30/10/2025

Did you know diabetes-related eye conditions affect approximately 25% to 35% of the 1.5 million Australians diagnosed with diabetes, and are the leading cause of preventable blindness in working-age adults?

Jo feared losing her sight due to a diabetes-related eye condition. With Eye Connect, you can access free, evidence-based guidance to help manage your eye health and live well with confidence. Join Eye Connect today. Call 1800 111 709 or visit www.mdfoundation.com.au/eye-connect-check

30/10/2025

Join Australian media icon and Patron of Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) Ita Buttrose AC OBE, alongside renowned dementia expert Professor Henry Brodaty AO, for an exclusive and free online conversation celebrating Ita’s powerful new memoir, Unapologetically Ita.

Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm AEDT

Hosted by UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), this intimate conversation will explore:
- Ita’s reflections on her father’s dementia diagnosis
- Her candid views on ageing, ageism and resilience
- The importance of brain health and dementia research

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from two passionate advocates for healthy ageing.

Register now to secure your spot:
https://unsw.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oTmOGV2iSs6slLhsFs6qCw #/registration

29/10/2025

Since 2007, Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) has championed for all people with vision loss to be able to access affordable low vision aids and technologies.

Thanks to the 18 years of advocacy by MDFA and the macular disease community, the Australian Government is reforming the in-home aged care system, and the new Support at Home program will finally include funding for low vision aids and technologies - helping older Australians live independently for longer.

Read the full story in our latest newsletter or order your free copy: https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/resources/our-summer-2025-newsletter-is-out-now/