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
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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.
Age-related macular degeneration
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Advocating for Improved Treatment and Outcomes for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published: 2012
Author: The Angiogenesis FoundationThe 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.
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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.
Aged care
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Vision and Eye Healthcare Study in Residential Aged Care Facilities Report
Published: 2018
Author: Macular Disease Foundation AustraliaA 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
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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 HealthThe 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.
Carers
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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 MitchellIn 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’.
Diabetic macular oedema
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The economic impact of diabetic macular oedema in Australia
Published: 2015
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.
National Action Plan
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A better view: National Strategic Action Plan for Macular Disease
Published: 2019
Author: Commonwealth of Australia, as represented by the Department of Health 2019Development 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.
Research
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10 Years of Research
Published: 2021
Author: Macular Disease Foundation AustraliaThis 28-page report profiles each of these talented researchers, outlining why MDFA funded their project and how they have contributed to the macular disease knowledge bank both here in Australia and around the world.
