The results of a recent patient survey came as no surprise: we learned that 56% of patients leaving a clinic didn’t clearly understand their diagnosis, including the name of their condition.1 Despite the good intentions of eye health professionals, at Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA), this is something we hear from people every day when they reach out to us for support.

The statistics are real. Less than half (45%) of patients recall receiving an explanation of what may happen to their vision in the future.1 More than half (58%) of patients were unable to recall receiving any lifestyle modification advice from their eye care professional.2 Concerningly, patients who require eye injections don’t always understand they’re a lifelong commitment and are reluctant to ask their health practitioner for further information.1

This is where MDFA’s new My Eyes service will help both your patient and your clinic.

My Eyes is Australia’s first comprehensive free support service for people living with macular disease. The service has been developed based on insights from a neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pilot program and extensive research involving people with macular disease, their carers, and ophthalmologists. My Eyes provides three main areas of support tailored to a patient’s level of vision, diagnosis, and current perceptions about their wellbeing.

Patients referred to the My Eyes service will receive personalised health information, practical advice, and emotional support for up to 18 months. This is an opt-in service for people living with any form of AMD, and in time we will expand the scope to include diabetic eye disease.

We are proud and excited to be launching the first service for all Australians with AMD as part of our Macula Month celebration, but we need your help to make this a success for our community.

Throughout Macula Month this May, MDFA will be sharing communications about how to refer your patients to My Eyes, including a new community service announcement you’ll see via the mivision platforms. Please get behind My Eyes and refer your patients to MDFA for the support they need when they leave your clinic.

Let’s better support those living with macular disease and change these statistics together.

Dr Kathy Chapman
CEO, Macular Disease Foundation Australia

References
1. Clinton, S., Hoad, G., Bloomfield, P. et al., Comparing views of patients and eye care professionals on the information provided on age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema. Eye (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-02939-z.
2. Dave, S., Binns, A., Vinuela-Navarro, V., Callaghan, T., What advice is currently given to patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by eyecare practitioners, and how effective is it at bringing about a change in lifestyle? A systematic review. Nutrients. 2022 Nov 3;14(21):4652. DOI: 10.3390/nu14214652.