Two new major research grants – totalling AU$300,000 – have been announced by the Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA).

To be officially launched on World Sight Day on 9 October, the inaugural MDFA 25th Anniversary Award provides a significant investment of up to $200,000 over three years to support research into geographic atrophy (GA), a form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Also a $100,000 research grant, created in memory of long-time MDFA supporter and self-described “bushie”, the late Elisabeth Macdonald, will be launched to support research for people with macular disease in regional and rural Australia.

25TH ANNIVERSARY AWARD

MDFA CEO Dr Kathy Chapman said the new 25th Anniversary Award responds directly to feedback from researchers and community members living with GA, gathered during MDFA’s recent Research Impact Evaluation.

The findings highlighted a critical need to prioritise research addressing key knowledge gaps in GA.

The MDFA 25th Anniversary Award is open to researchers across Australia working in any field related to GA. Areas of research may include, but are not limited to:

• Understanding genes associated with the development of geographic atrophy,

• Identifying new risk factors and underlying causes,

• Discovering new treatments and therapeutic targets, and

• Understanding functional outcomes associated with geographic atrophy.

“Macular Disease Foundation Australia is committed to driving innovation and improving outcomes for people affected by macular disease,” Dr Chapman said.

“We are very proud to launch this new grant to help mark our 25th year and take a major step forward in advancing understanding of geographic atrophy, one of the most pressing unmet needs in eye health.”

The late Elisabeth Macdonald with her dog, Ronald.

ELISABETH MACDONALD MEMORIAL AWARD

The $100,000 Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award was created from a bequest from Ms Macdonald, who asked that her financial gift support research focussed on people living with macular disease in rural and regional areas.

The grant aims to address critical knowledge gaps and address the practical and other care and support challenges faced by these communities.

Researchers based in Australia from any field relevant to people living with macular or retinal diseases in regional and rural areas will be eligible to apply.

“Too many Australians living in remote communities face significant barriers to accessing sight-saving treatment,” Dr Chapman said. “The Elisabeth MacDonald Memorial Award is about taking steps to help change that.”

Most ophthalmologists are based in major cities (approximately 84%), with the remaining 16% servicing the 28% of Australians (seven million people) living in regional and remote communities.1,2

This means Australians who live with macular disease in rural or remote locations often have to travel long distances to major cities or larger regional centres to receive treatment and care.

MDFA research shows that 11% of people receiving intravitreal injections have considered delaying or stopping their treatment due to travel distance.3

“By investing in research that focusses on the unique challenges faced outside our major cities, we’re not only helping improve access to care – we’re deepening our understanding of the challenges of living with a macular disease in these communities,” Dr Chapman said.

“This new research award will help drive solutions that are grounded in the realities of rural life, helping ensure no one is left behind when it comes to protecting their vision.”

Ms Macdonald lived on an acreage outside Armidale in the Northern Tablelands of New

South Wales and considered herself a die-hard “bushie”. Diagnosed with AMD in 2005, she developed neovascular AMD in 2010 and made the difficult decision to move closer to medical support in the town centre.

“My aunty, Elisabeth, was generous in life – thoughtful, wise, and never one to invest foolishly,” said Kate Adams, Ms Macdonald’s niece. “Her legacy lives on through this award, supporting sight-saving research and honouring her deep care for others, especially those in regional communities.”

Dr Chapman added: “Elisabeth was an extraordinary supporter of macular disease research. She deeply understood the critical role it plays in improving outcomes for those affected, and in helping prevent vision loss in future generations.”

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award is an addition to MDFA’s Research Grants Program, which was established in 2011. Since launching, the program has committed over $6.9 million to 42 groundbreaking research projects in Australia, making it the largest source of non-government funding for macular and retinal disease research in the country.

Further information about both awards can be found on MDFA’s website at: mdfoundation.com.au.

References available at mivision.com.au.