Macular Disease Foundation Australia

08/09/2026

We’re proud to announce that MDFA has been named a finalist in two categories at the 2026 PRIME Awards: NGO of the Year and Best Public Health Initiative for our Eye Connect program.

Being recognised during our 25th anniversary year is a testament to the impact of our work and the support of our community. We look forward to the awards announcement in November.

A big thank you to PRIME Awards Australia for recognising the work being done to support people living with vision loss.

Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) is a finalist in two categories at the 2026 PRIME Awards, which acknowledge excellence in healthcare communications and patient engagement. MDFA is a finalist for NGO of the Year and Best Public Health Initiative for Eye Connect.

07/09/2026

This Include a Charity Week, please consider protecting future generations from macular disease by becoming a Visionary Partner with Macular Disease Foundation Australia and including a gift in your Will.

💙

🔗https://bit.ly/4hehMgJ

07/09/2026

Battery life was a hot topic in our smart glasses and assistive technologies webinar!
If you missed the discussion, the full recording is now available to watch. https://bit.ly/MDFAsmartglasses

07/09/2026

Judi’s courage and honesty in speaking about the challenges of living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are truly inspiring. So too is her determination to stay active and involved by helping young students.

Judi Dench shared an update on her severe vision loss caused by advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

First diagnosed in 2012, the progressive condition damages central vision, meaning she can still see general outlines but can no longer make out faces, read scripts, or watch television.

She joked that she sometimes greets total strangers because she cannot distinguish faces. She also noted that people occasionally mistake her lack of greeting for being "grand" or aloof, when she simply cannot see them.

While standard acting and stage work are no longer feasible, Dench continues to stay active.

She has shifted focus to helping young students learn Shakespeare and relies on a photographic memory, having friends and family read scripts aloud to her.

Ahead of her 91st birthday, she disclosed to the Radio Times that both of her eyes have progressed beyond the point of medical treatment, calling the reality "a crusher"

04/09/2026

Joining Eye Connect is easy and it's FREE.

Receiving a diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration can be challenging. Our team is here to help you understand your diagnosis and the support available, plus help with questions to ask your our eye health professional.

Join Eye Connect Check today - https://bit.ly/4fE9P3W

03/09/2026

Missed our webinar on smart glasses and macular disease? Don't worry, the recording is now available.

Hear from Abby Jayasuriya, who shares her experience living with retinitis pigmentosa and the role technology plays in helping her adapt to vision loss.

Plus, Jean, a Macular Disease Foundation Australia community member, explains how smart glasses have enhanced her independence, confidence, and everyday life.

Catch up on this inspiring conversation and learn how assistive technology is empowering people living with low vision.

Watch the recording today https://bit.ly/MDFAsmartglasses

02/09/2026

Nominations for the Eye Connect Healthcare Award have now closed, and what an incredible response it has been!

We were delighted to receive more than 100 nominations from across Australia, recognising the outstanding eye health professionals and clinic teams making a real difference to the lives of people living with macular disease.

Nominations are under review and the finalists will be announced via our social media channels and website on Monday, 15 September.

In the meantime, get health information, practical advice and emotional support between visits to your eye care professional by signing up to Eye Connect.
🔗 https://bit.ly/4y6fR3m

01/09/2026

Macular disease is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Australia.

More than 377,000 Victorians are living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with many facing barriers to accessing affordable sight-saving treatment and support.

Ahead of the 2026 Victorian Election, we're calling for:
· Better access to Eye Connect support services
· Reduced travel costs for regional Victorians requiring treatment
· More public eye injection services across Victoria
Help us to protect the sight and independence of Victorians.

Visit our website to learn more and download a letter to send to your local MP.
🔗 https://bit.ly/vicelection26

27/08/2026

Don't miss out - there's only 5 days left.

Do you know an eye care professional who deserves recognition?

The new Eye Connect Healthcare Award celebrates those who make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by macular disease.

If you, or someone you care for, has received outstanding support from an eye care professional or clinic team, help us recognise them by sharing your story.

Nominations close 1st September.

👉 Nominate here - https://bit.ly/4hU3l29

24/08/2026

Living with Macular Disease? Explore the possibilities of smart glasses.

Register for our free webinar to discover how smart glasses and assistive technologies are helping people with low vision.

Abby Jayasuriya from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will share her expert insights and advice on this innovative technology. You will also hear from community member Jean about her first-hand experience using smart glasses.

This is a topic of great interest to the macular disease community and we encourage you to join.

📅 31 August
🕡 6:30pm

Register now https://bit.ly/4c06QAk