Real life stories Archives

Community action keeps eye injections accessible for people with private health insurance

March 12, 2026
Jennifer Zhao Zhao

On Friday 6 March 2026, the Federal Health Minister, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, announced that the Federal Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will not proceed with the proposed Medicare reclassification which would have prevented people from using their private health insurance to pay for eye injection treatment services.

Jannette’s story: Why early detection made all the difference 

December 15, 2025
Jennifer Zhao Zhao

When Jannette – a former ESL teacher at the University of Sydney – noticed shimmering

Facing the unknown

November 10, 2025
Jennifer Zhao Zhao

Community member Jo shares her journey with diabetic macular oedema.

Volunteer spotlight: Leeloo’s role in building connection and support

May 21, 2025
Jennifer Zhao Zhao

Leeloo, one of our dedicated Peer Support Facilitators, volunteers her time to helping build a space where people living with macular disease can connect and feel stronger.

Cooking up a new stage of life: Shane Somerville tells his story

August 6, 2024
Jennifer Zhao Zhao

In our latest edition of Vision Voice, Shane candidly shares his experience of managing vision loss while still working, as well as maintaining a positive and busy life after his career.

Eye injections – a lifeline to the outside world

November 29, 2023
Jennifer Zhao Zhao

The centenarian, whose bookshelves and cupboards are crammed with biographies, literary classics and the odd Agatha Christie mystery, regards her regular eye injections as a lifeline.

“I’ll work until they put me in a pine box”

April 28, 2023
Michelle Hauschild

Mike can’t retire because he wouldn’t be able to afford the cost of eye treatment that prevents him from going blind.

“Rural ophthalmologists are overloaded with patients. We need more specialists out here”

April 28, 2023
Michelle Hauschild

People who live in rural and remote areas face real struggles to commit to start sight-saving eye injections and to stick with the treatment.

“The cost of my eyes has prohibited us from going on any kind of holiday”

April 28, 2023
Michelle Hauschild

My eyes are our holiday money. I’ve even considered giving up my injections. It’s a

Interest: Real life stories

Facing the unknown

Eye injections – a lifeline to the outside world

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Thank you for your order!

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Thank you for referring to MDFA for non-clinical support and macular disease information. We will be in contact in 2-3 business days.

Thank you for referring to MDFA for non-clinical support and macular disease information. We will be in contact in 2-3 business days.

Thank you for subscribing to MDFA’s newsletter/s.

You can opt-out at any time by contacting us on [email protected] or via our National Helpline: 1800 111 709.Tell people about MDFA’s newsletters:

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You can opt-out at any time by contacting us on [email protected] or via our National Helpline: 1800 111 709.Tell people about Macular Disease Foundation’s newsletters:

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

You can opt-out at any time by contacting us on [email protected] or via our National Helpline: 1800 111 709.Tell people about Macular Disease Foundation’s newsletters:

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

You can opt-out at any time by contacting us on [email protected] or via our National Helpline: 1800 111 709.Tell people about Macular Disease Foundation’s newsletters:

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