Annastacia’s story

Annastacia Palaszczuk diagnosed with macular degeneration at 34

Annastacia Palaszczuk studied Arts/Law at University of Queensland and later entered politics and became the second female lawyer appointed to the Queensland Cabinet.

She is Queensland Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs, represents the electorate of Inala and likes reading, AFL, rugby league, theatre and sailing.

Annastacia was diagnosed with the wet form of macular degeneration when she was just 34 years of age.

She woke up one morning and noticed a back blurry dot in the centre of her right eye and she knew something was wrong and immediately went to her optometrist the same day. She was referred to an ophthalmologist, then diagnosed with wet MD and was undergoing treatment a couple of days later.

Annastacia’s depth perception is affected and she has her speeches printed in large font and uses stronger lighting to help with reading.

The Minister told the MD Foundation that having macular degeneration has provided her with a greater awareness of the issues facing people who experience vision loss.

When she was diagnosed she went straight to the Macular Degeneration Foundation website to find out more information and learn about what was happening to her eyes.

The Minister conveyed her personal appreciation of the importance of patient support like the MD Foundation to assist people with disabilities.

Ms Palaszczuk said she was happy to share her story if it could help prevent someone from losing their vision.

We sincerely thank the Minister for sharing her story with the MD community. Launching MD awareness week in the media has helped to achieve the Foundation’s vision to reduce the incidence and impact of macular degeneration in Australia.

Posted: 23 June 2010