Specsavers partners with Macular Disease Foundation Australia

Macular Disease in Australia 

Since 2001, Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) has supported thousands of people each year with information about macular disease. 

Macular diseases have a substantial impact on the Australian population. Over 1.5 million individuals exhibit signs of age‑related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of irreversible severe vision loss and blindness in Australia.¹ This equates to approximately 1 in 7 Australians over 50 affected by AMD.¹ 

Additionally, between 300,000 and 400,000 Australians are affected by diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of preventable blindness among the working‑age population.^2‑3 

With these statistics in mind, MDFA believes it has a responsibility to do more. Optometrists also have a critical role in decreasing preventable blindness and being an important part of the solution to reduce macular disease. 

MDFA in partnership with Specsavers 

In 2022 Specsavers piloted a service for people with neovascular AMD. The pilot involved 16 Specsavers stores who referred their relevant patients to MDFA for information and support. Using the results of this pilot, as well as extensive research involving input from patients, caregivers, and ophthalmologists, MDFA has updated the My Eyes service for all stages of the condition and increased the ways it provides personalised support and care. 

Why is it important that patients with macular disease receive support from MDFA? 

Optometrists provide high quality clinical care to patients. However, once patients leave a clinic, they may need additional information and practical advice about living well with their condition before they are scheduled for their next eye test. 

The goal of My Eyes is to provide personalised guidance, support, advice and information as they learn about life with macular disease. It’s a way for optometrists to know their patients are being supported once they leave the clinic. 

About My Eyes 

My Eyes is the only personalised service available to all Australians living with macular disease. 

The service is designed to provide patients with guidance and tailored support based on their disease type, vision status and emotional wellbeing state. This information will be provided over an extended period, enabling them to better understand and manage life with macular disease. 

My Eyes is free of charge, independent and endorsed by Australia’s leading eye health professionals. 

When optometrists refer patients to MDFA, they will receive a welcome call to introduce the service, discuss their support needs and set up their personalised plan, which will include: 

• Practical advice, tips and guidance to help them practice good disease self‑management in between their optometry visits. 

• Emotional support to help patients navigate what can, for some, be a difficult time, including hearing from other people with macular disease either via case studies or through joining our growing national peer support network. 

• Health information to confidently manage their condition, such as information to better understand their diagnosis and how to live well with vision loss. 

Whether patients prefer to receive information and support online, in the post or over the phone, My Eyes has them covered. Engaging content will include videos, audio case studies and podcasts, as well as more traditional channels for those who prefer it. 

MDFA’s My Eyes program will be the first of its kind in Australia, offering patients with macular disease personalised information, practical and psychosocial support, to empower individuals to navigate their condition in the best possible way and live well. 

My Eyes will be launched as part of Macula Month celebrations in May 2024. 

Optometrists can easily refer macular disease patients to MDFA via e‑referral on Oculo and patients can register themselves to receive support via or this website e‑referral form.