Macular Disease Foundation Australia has released its 2026 Victorian Election Agenda, calling on the Victorian Government to take action to improve access to sight-saving treatment and support for the more than 377,000 Victorians living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), along with thousands more affected by diabetes-related eye conditions.
Macular disease is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Australia. With demand for treatment continuing to grow, targeted investment is needed to ensure all Victorians can access the care and support they need to maintain their sight and independence.
Our key recommendations
1. Embed Eye Connect across Victoria’s public eye care system
We are calling for the statewide integration of Eye Connect, Australia’s first dedicated macular disease support service, into public hospital ophthalmology clinics.
Eye Connect provides personalised education, practical support, psychosocial care and assistance navigating the health and aged care systems. Evidence shows the program helps people better understand their condition, feel more supported, and stay engaged with their treatment.
2. Reduce transport costs for regional and rural patients
Many people with macular disease require ongoing eye injection treatment every 4–16 weeks, often for life. For those living in regional and rural Victoria, travel costs and transport challenges can make it difficult to access this essential care.
We are calling for the Victorian Government to:
These changes would help reduce financial barriers and improve access to treatment for people living outside metropolitan areas.
3. Strengthen public eye injection services across Victoria
Access to public eye injection treatment is currently limited and inconsistent across the state, leaving many patients reliant on private care and facing significant out-of-pocket costs.
We are calling for the development of a Victorian Macular Disease Plan to:
Why this matters
More than 25,000 Victorians receive eye injection treatment, yet affordability, travel distance and limited public services continue to create barriers to care. When treatment is delayed or stopped, people risk irreversible vision loss and blindness.
These practical, evidence-based reforms would help reduce preventable vision loss, improve access to care, and ensure better outcomes for Victorians living with macular disease.
How you can help?
You can support these important priorities by downloading our supporter letter and sending it to your local Victorian MP. Your voice can help highlight the need for improved access to sight-saving treatment, support services and equitable care for people living with macular disease across Victoria.
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