Macular Disease Foundation Australia

16/10/2026

What makes an outstanding healthcare professional?

For community member Elizabeth, the answer was clear.

In this video, Elizabeth shares why she nominated Dr Stephen Ong for the Eye Connect Healthcare Award and the difference his care has made. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact dedicated healthcare professionals have on the people they support.

Congratulations to Dr Stephen Ong, our 2026 Eye Connect Healthcare Award winner.
Southwest Eye Institute mivision

15/10/2026

A huge congratulations to Holden and Keith!

At 89 and 81, they're virtually cycling their way up the Queensland coast and have already reached Hervey Bay, more than 400km from their starting point in Tweed Heads.

They've also raised an incredible $3,765 for Macular Disease Foundation Australia so far. What an achievement!

Join us in cheering them on and help support their incredible Ride for Sight journey.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/bolton-clarke-raffles-ride-for-sight

12/10/2026

Do you have macular degeneration and are still driving, or have recently stopped?
Share your experience. To be eligible to participate, you must live in Australia.

Research staff at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Centre for Vision and Eye Research are seeking people living with macular degeneration who either currently drive, or have recently stopped driving, to take part in a focus group study contributing to MDFA-funded research.

Focus groups will run for approximately one hour and will be held either: in Brisbane's inner-city region, or online via Zoom.

Participants will receive a $50 gift card as a thank you for their time.

Your experiences can help shape research and improve our understanding of the impact macular degeneration has on driving and mobility in Australia.

For more information or to register your interest, please contact:
Emily Henry: [email protected], (07) 3138 5818

12/10/2026

This National Carers Week, we recognise and celebrate the incredible people who provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend.

Carers make a meaningful difference every day through their compassion, dedication and generosity.

Thank you for all that you do.

If you’re a carer and you need support, check out our resources for carers or call our Helpline on 1800 111 709

Carers Australia

11/10/2026

Congratulations to Dr Stephen Ong, recipient of the Eye Connect Healthcare Award, proudly presented in partnership with mivision.

Recognised for his exceptional dedication, compassion and commitment to supporting people living with vision loss, Dr Ong's impact extends far beyond the consulting room.

Thank you, Dr Ong, for the difference you make in the lives of your patients and the broader eye health community.

When Elizabeth* developed worrying symptoms on a weekend, she called her ophthalmologist, Dr Stephen Ong. He returned her calls, stayed in contact through the evening, and followed up the next day. That support prompted her to nominate him for the inaugural Eye Connect Healthcare Award – which he ...

09/10/2026

World Mental Health Day | Together We Thrive

Living with macular disease can impact more than just vision. It can also affect emotional wellbeing, confidence, and connection.

This World Mental Health Day, we're celebrating the difference support can make through Eye Connect.

Each year, more than 2,200 check-in calls help people living with macular disease feel heard, supported, and connected, with 74% of participants agreeing these calls help them feel more supported.

Join Eye Connect today by calling 1800 111 709.

09/10/2026

Celebrating the impact of exceptional eye care across Australia 💙

With more than 100 nominations received from across the country for the Eye Connect Healthcare Award, we were humbled to read the heartfelt stories shared by people living with vision loss and eye conditions.

These quotes highlight the compassion, professionalism and dedication of healthcare professionals who go above and beyond to support their patients every day.

✨ "I felt more confident that I was receiving the best advice regarding my AMD. I felt respected and more included in the process... This has made me feel less anxious." – NSW

✨ "The doctor and his wonderful team have always taken time to answer any of my questions... It ensures a knowledge of my condition which makes it much easier to cope with and manage." – VIC

✨ "Their care has made a meaningful difference to my life... I feel reassured and supported at every appointment." – QLD

✨ "She is always prepared to treat me as a human being and a person with a genuine desire to understand what is happening." – WA

✨ "Dr Tim explained exactly what the problem was without swamping me with too much information... and was reassuring when I was concerned about treatment." – SA

✨ "They are just so friendly and professional... They make what is an unpleasant condition and treatment so much easier to deal with." – ACT

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a healthcare professional.

Read more on the winner of the Eye Connect Health Care Award winner here https://bit.ly/4rQOkky

09/10/2026

Thinking about taking supplements for age-related macular degeneration?

There’s a lot of information online, but not all of it is accurate. Research from the AREDS and AREDS2 studies shows that specific supplements may help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for some people with AMD. They are not a cure, but they may help slow progression of the disease.

Not all supplements are the same, and they may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you take other medications. Always speak with your eye health professional or doctor before starting any new supplement.

Have questions? Our friendly team is here to help.
Call the Macular Disease Foundation Australia Helpline on 1800 111 709 or visit our website for more information.

08/10/2026

Living well with changing vision session

Join us to discover practical ways to live well with vision loss and learn about the support available for people experiencing changes to their vision.

We’ll share practical tips, helpful technology and everyday strategies to make navigating vision changes easier.

Monday 12 October
Charlestown Library

To register or find out more, call our Helpline on 1800 111 709.

08/10/2026

Eye Connect Healthcare Award Winner
Honouring exceptional eye care on World Sight Day

Macular Disease Foundation Australia, in partnership with mivision, is delighted to announce ophthalmologist Dr Stephen Ong as the winner of the inaugural Eye Connect Healthcare Award.

🔗Read more at the link below

South West Vision Institute

Macular Disease Foundation Australia, in partnership with mivision, is delighted to announce ophthalmologist Dr Stephen Ong as the winner of the inaugural Eye Connect Healthcare Award.