Federal Election 2016

In the lead up to the 2016 Federal Election, Macular Disease Foundation Australia called on all candidates and political parties to endorse the following:

1. Establish an equitable, national, federally funded low vision equipment program to ensure the affordability and accessibility of low vision aids, equipment and technologies for people with vision loss or blindness. This would include all those under 65 with vision loss who fall outside the National Disabilities Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and those diagnosed after the age of 65.

2. Support affordability of health care for the macular disease community (shifting costs onto the patient can result in poor outcomes and, at worst, failure to continue treatment, risking irreversible vision loss).

3. Fund Macular Disease Foundation Australia to continue its national awareness, education and support services to promote macular disease prevention, early detection and when required, early treatment or low vision rehabilitation.

The Foundation asked the macular disease community to support its campaign by sending a prepared letter to candidates voicing key election concerns.

Find more information and read candidate responses here.