Your generous support will help us achieve our 25th anniversary goal – to raise $1 million for life-changing research and expanded support services for Australians living with macular disease.
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Donate monthly codeThis Christmas, give the gift of sight
In 2026, Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) will mark a remarkable milestone – 25 years of protecting the sight of thousands of Australians.
This silver jubilee celebration is not only about our history, but about the people who have walked alongside us, supporting our mission and helping to improve the lives of those affected by macular disease.
A legacy of vision: The Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award
One such remarkable supporter was Elisabeth Macdonald, a long-time friend of MDFA. Elisabeth’s life was shaped by her love of the bush and her fierce independence. After being diagnosed with early-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2005, and later with wet AMD in 2010, she made the difficult decision to move closer to town to access the sight-saving treatment she required.
Before her passing, Elisabeth made an extraordinary gift of $500,000 to establish the Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award, dedicated to funding research that benefits people living with macular disease in rural and regional Australia. Every two years, a $100,000 grant will support projects addressing the unique challenges faced outside major cities – from access to treatment, to the realities of living with vision loss far from specialist care.
My Aunty Elisabeth was generous in life – thoughtful, wise, and never one to invest foolishly. Her legacy lives on through this award, supporting sight-saving research and honouring her deep care for others, especially those in regional communities.
Kate Adams, Elisabeth’s niece
Investing in research, changing lives
By funding research focused on the needs of rural and regional Australians, MDFA is improving access to care and deepening understanding of the challenges faced by people living with macular disease in these communities.
The Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award complements MDFA’s Research Grants Program, established in 2011. Since then, MDFA has invested over $6.9 million in 42 groundbreaking research projects, making the Foundation Australia’s largest non-government source of funding for macular and retinal disease research. These projects are bringing us closer to a future where no one is left behind in the fight to protect sight.
This Christmas, continue Elisabeth’s legacy
This festive season, you can honour Elisabeth’s spirit of generosity by supporting Macular Disease Foundation Australia. Help us achieve our 25th anniversary goal – to raise $1 million for life-changing research and expanded support services for Australians living with macular disease.
Make a difference this season
Together, we can ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to protect their sight.
Thank you for your donation
Thank you for your generous support. And remember, if you or a loved one ever need information, advice or just a friendly chat, please call our National Helpline on 1800 111 709.
