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Macular Disease Foundation Australia

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Macular Disease Foundation Australia

MDFA is a charity committed to reducing the impact of macular disease in Australia.

MDFA is committed to reducing the impact of macular disease in Australia, including age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of legal blindness in Australia.

19/02/2026

Did you know? Macular Disease Foundation Australia provides practical, person-centred support for people living with macular disease across Australia.

You can join in-person peer groups in several states and the ACT or participate in national online groups from home.

Participants told us they gained a better understanding of their macular disease and treatment options, including low vision aids. Plus, 95% would recommend the Peer Support Program to others living with macular disease.

Interested in joining?
You can connect with MDFA for more information:

National Helpline: 1800 111 709

Email: info@mdfoundation.com.au

The MDFA team can help you connect with peer support groups (in-person or online), Eye Connect, and other services designed to support your needs.

Image Description: A group of MDFA’s peer support participants sitting around the table.

17/02/2026

For many people living with diabetes-related eye conditions, the concern goes beyond loss of sight to the possible loss of independence and everyday freedoms.

Ben is 37 and has lived with diabetes since being diagnosed at age 16. He is currently receiving eye injections for diabetic macular oedema.

Like many people, Ben’s biggest worry is losing his vision and then the freedom that comes with it.

MDFA’s Eye Connect service supports people living with diabetes-related eye conditions by providing clear information, practical guidance and free, personalised support to help people better manage their conditions.

If you or someone you care for is living with a diabetes-related eye condition, take the Eye Connect Check to find the right support.

Start the Eye Connect Check:
www.mdfoundation.com.au/eye-connect-check

Video Description: Ben facing the camera and talking about his biggest worry is losing his vision to diabetic macular oedema and then the freedom that comes with it.

13/02/2026

While applications for our 2026 research grants have officially closed, the impact of the Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award is just beginning. This special grant is dedicated to those living with macular disease in regional and rural areas - aiming to address the challenges faced by people diagnosed, being treated for and living with a macular or retinal disease who are in more remote areas of Australia.

The $100,000 grant will be awarded every two years to help advance Australian research This is the power of a legacy. By leaving a Gift in your Will to MDFA, you can ensure that brilliant research and life-changing awards like this continue for generations.

Leave a lasting impact. Learn more about Gifts in Wills: https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/get-involved/leave-gift-in-will-bequests/leave-gift/

10/02/2026

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are proud to celebrate the incredible women shaping the future of eye health.

64% of MDFA research grants were awarded to female lead researchers between 2011 and 2023, and our 2025 Research Grants Program continues this trend - with female scientists leading the majority of our latest funded projects.

To find out more about the research we have funded, visit: http://www.mdfoundation.com.au/.../10-years-of-research/

10/02/2026

An exciting opportunity to have a hands-on experience with different low vision aids.

If you live in Sydney’s northern beaches or north shore, join us at Northern Beaches Cataract Retina Glaucoma in Brookvale on the 24th of February, 5:30pm – 7pm. This friendly, informative evening will share simple, tips to help you stay independent and safe at home and when out and about.

This event features talks on common eye conditions by Dr Andrew Kaines along with Kyrstie Alfaro from Quantum RLV and Monica Patel from MDFA.

There will be demonstrations of different assistive technology devices to help with reading and daily activities at home and on the go. Attendees will have the chance to try the devices themselves and ask questions and learn more about low vision services.

Refreshments will be provided and parking is available.

Call 1800 111 709 or email info@mdfoundation.com.au to register and for more information. Spots are limited.

06/02/2026

Why does the brain create "phantom images" when sight begins to fade? Join MDFA and guest expert Scot Muirden, Founder and Director of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome Foundation, as we explore the history, prevalence, and management of Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS).

Whether you are a carer or someone living with vision loss, this session provides essential insights into:
- An overview of the history of Charles Bonnet Syndrome
- A clear explanation of what Charles Bonnet Syndrome is and is not
- An exploration of why the syndrome occurs
- Prevalence and population impact

- Practical approaches to managing and supporting individuals with the syndrome

Date and Time: Thursday 12 February 2026, 2PM AEDT

Register now: https://mdfoundation-au.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rx5PHMhaSe2mu27Rattg6Q #/registration

05/02/2026

"I couldn't read even one line of the eye test with my left eye." For 37-year-old Ben, who had always enjoyed perfect 20/20 vision, the moment of diagnosis was a shock.

Ben’s journey with diabetic oedema involved facing his biggest worry: losing his independence. He also reflects on the emotional complexity of a diagnosis. But Ben believes that services like Eye Connect - which offer support between clinical appointments - can make a big difference by providing evidence-based health information, practical advice, and emotional support.

Join the community at Eye Connect: Eye Connect - https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/support-me/support-services/eyeconnect/

Video description: Ben sitting in an office speaking to the camera about his experience living with a Diabetes-related Eye Condition.

02/02/2026

Congratulations to everyone who completed . But why stop there? Studies find that consuming more than 12g of alcohol per day – which is a little over one standard drink – has a detrimental effect on AMD and is likely to increase people’s risk of developing early AMD.

Know more about how the right nutrition can help with a better vision - Download our new Nutrition Guidelines now - https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/news/new-nutrition-guidelines-for-amd/

28/01/2026

Audrey Tyrrell, 13, faced with the reality of losing her sight to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), is bravely ticking off a "bucket list" of sights she wants to see before her she loses her vision.

Read the full story: https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/this-morning-guest-fights-back-tears-as-teenage-daughter-shares-bucket-list-before-losing-her-vision/ar-AA1TG3sf?ocid=BingNewsSerp

What is Retinitis Pigmentosa? RP is a genetic condition, usually caused by a fault in the genetic information that affects the photoreceptor cells in the retina.

What are the signs?
- Problems in low light
- Peripheral vision loss
- Glare Sensitivity

While RP causes permanent changes to your vision, but how quickly this happens and how it changes differs widely between people. Early diagnosis and support are vital for managing the journey ahead.

Learn more about RP on our website: https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/about-macular-disease/other-macular-conditions/retinitis-pigmentosa/

25/01/2026

Our offices will be closed today. Please contact your local optometrist or ophthalmologist for general concerns. Call 000 immediately or visit your nearest Emergency Room for emergencies.

22/01/2026

During the neuroscience unit of his Master of Orthoptics, Elijah realised that vision is our most vital sensory system – yet often the most vulnerable to change, particularly in children and older people.

Today, he’s part of our Eye Connect team, focusing on patient support and care.

Whether he's providing patient education, practical advice, or simply a listening ear - "For me, it’s all about the people," says Elijah.

Join our free and personalised Eye Connect program today to receive all-rounded support from experts like Elijah - https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/support-me/support-services/eyeconnect/

Address

Mezzanine, 383 Kent Street
Sydney, NSW
2000

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611800111709

Website

https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/

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