Key research publications

Macular Disease Foundation Australia contributes to research to support the knowledge base on macular disease. This then translates into better patient outcomes.

The following reports have been authored by MDFA, or involved input from MDFA.

Advocacy

• Global Ageing & Vision Advocacy Summit Report

  Published: 2013

  Summit hosted by: Macular Disease Foundation Australia and the International Federation on Ageing.

  Macular Disease Foundation Australia and other leading advocates presented their work on ageing and vision, exploring linkages and commonalities. The summit provided a platform, through the exchange of learning and knowledge, to build the capability and capacity of the ageing and vision sectors to effectively advocate and represent the interests of citizens at risk of vision impairment.

   

  See the report

Age-related macular degeneration

• Advocating for Improved Treatment and Outcomes for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

  Published: 2012
  Author: The Angiogenesis Foundation

  The US Angiogenesis Foundation’s white paper “Advocating for Improved Treatment and Outcomes for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration” was the result of the Australian Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Coalition Expert Summit in July 2012. The summit was convened by the Angiogenesis Foundation and Macular Disease Foundation Australia, marking a significant step forward in the fight against this eye disease.

  See the white paper

• Eyes on the future: A Clear Outlook on AMD

  Published: 2011
  Authors: Macular Disease Foundation Australia, in partnership with Deloitte Access Economics and MDFA’s National Research Advisor, Professor Paul Mitchell.

  Eyes on the Future – A Clear Outlook on Age-Related Macular Degeneration details the diagnosis, epidemiology, risk and protective factors, costs, treatment, treatment barriers and low vision rehabilitation of macular degeneration and makes numerous recommendations to improve outcomes for patients.

  See the report

Aged care

• Vision and Eye Healthcare Study in Residential Aged Care Facilities Report

  Published: 2018
  Author: Macular Disease Foundation Australia

  A comprehensive study by the Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) that found high rates of eye disease, often under-diagnosed and untreated, in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs).

  Read the report and executive summary

  Associated resources:
  Managing eye health and vision loss in RACFs: A training video for care workers
  Managing eye health and vision loss in RACFs: A resource for care workers
  Managing eye health and vision loss in RACFs: A resource for management and health professionals
  Understanding eye health and vision loss: A resource for families and guardians

Aids and technology

• Low vision, quality of life and independence: Aids and technologies review

  Published: 2016
  Author: Macular Disease Foundation Australia, in collaboration with The George Institute for Global Health

  The report highlights the evidence base supporting the benefits of aids and technologies for those with vision loss and blindness and discusses the major barriers to accessing low vision aids in Australia.

  Read the report

Carers

• Predictors of psychological distress in caregivers of older persons with wet age-related macular degeneration

  Published: 2014
  Authors: Bamini Gopinath, Annette Kifley, Rob Cummins, Julie Heraghty, Paul Mitchell

  In early 2013, Macular Disease Foundation Australia, with funding provided by Bayer, conducted a major survey of 1,000 people with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and 1,000 carers of people with wet AMD, demonstrating the significant ripple effect of macular degeneration. The results of the carer research were published in ‘Aging and Mental Health’.

  Report abstract

Diabetic macular oedema

• The economic impact of diabetic macular oedema in Australia

  Published: 2015
  Author: Deloitte Access Economics, commissioned by Bayer Australia, with input from Macular Disease Foundation Australia and Diabetes Australia

  Diabetes and its complications, including diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is one of today’s biggest public health challenges. This report shows the workforce will be hard hit by DMO due productivity losses from lower participation, absenteeism and premature death.

  Read the report

National Action Plan

• A better view: National Strategic Action Plan for Macular Disease

  Published: 2019
  Author: Commonwealth of Australia, as represented by the Department of Health 2019

  Development of the National Strategic Action Plan for Macular Disease was led by Macular Disease Foundation Australia with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

  The National Action Plan aims to outline Australia’s national response to macular disease and inform how limited health care resources can be better coordinated and targeted across all levels of government.

  The National Action Plan is supported by supplementary documents showing the evidence of need, stocktake report and consultation report.

  See the National Action Plan