Macular Disease Foundation launches Australia’s first support service for people living with age-related macular degeneration

Why the MDFA developed the service

After speaking with Aussies living with AMD, the MDFA found that, while clinic care was solid, there was a gap in support between those appointments. Which is where its new service comes in - offering tailored and personalised support throughout the journey.

What's involved in accessing the new AMD support service

MDFA's new support service is free to join for anyone living with existing or newly diagnosed AMD. In time, the organisation will expand its support scope to include diabetic eye disease and other retinal eye conditions, however its initial focus is on three areas:

• Health information will provide those living with AMD evidence-based information about macular disease and non-clinical support services to help condition management
• Practical advice that offers tips and guidance on things like nutrition for healthy eyes, immediate care after appointments, daily living with reduced or low vision and even travel tips
• Emotional support for those with a diagnosis of macular disease – or living with an eye condition – who might be having a difficult time. MDFA's qualified team can help manage some of those worries and concerns about diagnosis and treatment. MDFA can also connect AMD patients to peer support

What happens after you join MDFA's long-term support service

Those who have submitted an expression of interest form will receive a phone call from one of the MDFA's qualified team for an in depth debrief about their diagnosis and to have any immediate questions answered.

A customised welcome pack - tailored to each individual's condition, level of vision and treatment schedule (i.e. eye injections) - will then be sent out via post.

A member of the MDFA team will call about four weeks later to check in and hear how everything is going, after which the next pack of tailored content (which includes videos, fact sheets and brochures) will be dispatched by mail or email, depending on individual preference.

MDFA will continue to make contact around once a month with information and check in calls on topics designed to support living well with macular disease.

While these personalised pathways will be reassessed every six months to see whether any changes are required, participants can let the MDFA know sooner if they require different support or if the service is no longer needed.