The role of optometry in patient support for macular disease

Macular diseases, including age‑related macular degeneration (AMD), represent a significant public health concern globally. In Australia alone[1], one in seven people over the age of 50 have some evidence of age‑related macular degeneration (1.5 million Australians), and around 17% of those will experience vision impairment. Almost 15% of Australians aged over 80 have vision loss or blindness from age‑related macular degeneration. 

Positively, unlike previous generations, more patients are accessing eye tests than ever before. With more patients in regular eye care, optometrists can detect conditions earlier and refer for diagnosis and treatment, preventing unnecessary vision loss. Despite this however, the statistics are still highly concerning for patients. For the 156,090[2] Australians who currently have neovascular AMD (nAMD), the most aggressive and sight‑threatening version of AMD, an estimated 20% will stop treatment in their first year and 50% will stop their eye injections in the first five years[3]. A further 22% are lost to follow‑up, not attending their prescribed specialist and optometrist appointments[4]. 

Dr Ben Ashby, Clinical Services Director at Specsavers ANZ, said with this in mind, it is imperative that optometrists lean on their patient support body partners to ensure patients are receiving as much information and support as possible when caring for patients with macular disease.  

“We know that patients often have many questions, concerns and problems after they leave an eye test consultation, and those who are directed to receive additional support and information from trusted patient support bodies are more likely to adhere to treatment and attend future appointments, helping to prevent vision loss in the long term. It is our goal, as providers of eye care, to do all we can to set our patients up for success so that any eye conditions are effectively managed, and their vision is protected for many years to come,” said Dr Ashby. 

Specsavers and MDFA 

Dr Ashby said Specsavers is committed to working with Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) and to date its main focuses have been: 

• Improving the referral rates of consenting patients to receive support from MDFA 

• Assisting MDFA with the perspectives, feedback and opinions of optometrists to assist with improvements for how they support patients 

• Helping to build awareness of MDFA from within its optometrist and patient network. 

Specsavers Elsternwick Optometrist, Maddy Balson says MDFA is an organisation that can be trusted to support both patients and optometrists to reduce the impact and burden of macular diseases. 

“They have resources for optometrists which we use regularly, including an Amsler grid, which I often get my patients to use weekly to detect any changes in the macula between visits. MDFA is also a great resource for educating patients as they have online and in person ‑education for patients, carers and optometrists, as well as support programs for patients and family. MDFA also funds extensive research to further advance macular disease detection and treatment outcomes,” she said. 

Dr Kathy Chapman, CEO of MDFA says work with Specsavers has led to many insights and learnings that have been used to inform the way MDFA supports patients.  

MDFA’s Eye Connect Program for people living with macular disease 

Eye Connect is Australia’s first, free, national, macular disease patient support program and has been designed for people with newly diagnosed or existing AMD.  

Dr Chapman says the service was developed off the back of extensive research involving people with macular diseases, their carers, and ophthalmologists as well as the learnings from collaboration with Specsavers. 

“Feedback from patients and carers revealed a desire for more practical and emotional support throughout the treatment and disease journey, beyond what they might receive in their visits with health professionals,” she said. 

Eye Connect provides three main areas of support tailored to a patient’s level of vision, diagnosis and current perceptions about their wellbeing: disease information, practical support and psychosocial support. 
  
  
To find out more about MDFA’s Eye Connect program visit ‑ https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/refer‑to‑us/.