News & Events

Awareness Week Almost Here

Macular Degeneration Awareness Week 2010 will be held Monday 24 – Sunday 30 May. Our thanks to our sponsors – Novartis, Blackmores, Optometrists Association Australia and bluedesk for their continued support of the awareness week campaign.

How’s your macula?

The theme for MD Awareness Week 2010 is “How’s your macula?” This theme will run through the entire campaign including the seven week TV and radio advertising campaign, print and television media and the Australia wide direct mail campaign.

The Australia wide direct mail campaign involves MD information kits being distributed to optometrists, ophthalmologists, orthoptists, pharmacies and healthcare stores, community centres and libraries and both state and federal members of parliament. The kits include “How’s you macula?” posters, stickers and brochures and information to further assist recipients in educating other Australians about macular degeneration.

The MD Foundation team will also be out and about in Martin Place, Sydney on Tuesday 25 May talking to the lunchtime crowd and handing out information on macular degeneration along with yellow kiwi fruits which are good for eye health thanks to Produce Marketing Australia.

Free education events

There are many free education events around Australia which should not be missed.

Brisbane, Saturday 8 May, 10.00am - 12.00noon

Dr David Hilford will be presenting a free information session on behalf of the Macular Degeneration Foundation at the Hamilton Town Hall in Brisbane. Dr Hilford is an internationally renowned ophthalmologist having given ophthalmology presentations at State, National and International Conferences. This is great opportunity for the Brisbane MD community to hear from an internationally renowned ophthalmologist from their local area.

Dr David Hilford will be presenting a free information session on behalf of the Macular Degeneration Foundation at the Hamilton Town Hall in Brisbane. Dr Hilford is an internationally renowned ophthalmologist having given ophthalmology presentations at State, National and International Conferences. This is great opportunity for the Brisbane MD community to hear from an internationally renowned ophthalmologist from their local area.

Hobart, Saturday 15 May, 10.30am - 12.00noon

This is a special annual information session presented by leading Tasmanian Ophthalmologist Dr Nitin Verma in conjunction with the MD Foundation.

This free event is a fantastic chance for eye specialists and the MD community of Tasmania to hear from a world leading and awarding winning Doctor. It is a free event which is open to the general public and Optometrists.

Sydney Events

Low Vision Information Day, Thursday 20 May, 11.30am-2.30pm

The Low Vision Information Day will be a one stop shop for those wanting to learn more about macular degeneration, low vision aids and technology and support groups.

Dr Scott Hollier, Project Manager (New Media) for Media Access Australia will be attending the Information Day and will share his wealth of knowledge on technology for those with vision impairment. Dr Scott is also legally blind.

Guest organisations Vision Australia, Guide Dogs and Quantum Technology will also be attending and will be available to provide invaluable information.

In addition, Sister Margaret Gannon who has macular degeneration will be sharing her personal story.

Information Session with special guests Dr Paul Beaumont and Ita Buttrose

Saturday 22 May, 10.30am - 12.30pm

This event is not to be missed! Dr Paul Beaumont, one of Australia’s leading Ophthalmologists and MD Foundation founder, will present alongside MD Foundation Patron, Ita Buttrose. Dr Beaumont will impart his wealth of knowledge on macular degeneration whilst Ita Buttrose will share her personal experiences with MD and focus on the importance of family history.

Adelaide, Saturday 29 May, 10.00am- 12.00 noon

For the first time Dr Jagjit Singh Gilhotra will be presenting on behalf of the MD Foundation in Adelaide. This is set to be an exciting and informative event with Dr Gilhotra having a particular interest in age related macular degeneration.

Perth, Sunday 30 May, 2.00pm - 4.00pm

This annual collaboration between the MD Foundation and leading Perth surgeon Dr Dimitri Yellachich is a free event which is open to the general public and Optometrists.

Dr Yellachich the Western Australian representative on the medical committee of the Macular Degeneration Foundation and currently Associate Professor and discipline leader of ophthalmology at Notre Dame University.

For further information on events or to make a booking click here.

What can you do to help?

There are many free education events around Australia which should not be missed.

What can you do to help?

You can also help spread the word during MD Awareness Week by:

  • Promoting the key MD message “have your eyes tested and make sure the macula is checked” to your friends, family and local community.
  • Writing to the editor of your local newspaper and reminding them of MD Awareness Week.
  • Remind your optometrist, ophthalmologist, library or community centre to display the MD Awareness Week poster and brochures.
  • Encouraging people you know to call the MD Foundation and request a free information kit.
  • Call the MD Foundation to organise a free MD education session for your community group if you live in the Sydney area.
  • Organise a MD Foundation fundraising event in your local community.

For more information on MD Awareness Week contact the Foundation on 1800 111 709.

24 April 2010