Letting go of the wheel

To help mark Macula Month 2025, former NSW Minister for Health and distinguished public figure, the Hon. Jillian Skinner AM, has opened up about the frightening moment she knew it was time to stop driving at night, shedding light on the emotional and practical challenges faced by those living with macular disease.  

“I was driving my young granddaughter home from swimming lessons one winter evening, around 6:30 pm,” reflects Jillian, who has been living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for 13 years. “It was dark, and I realised that if someone had run across the road in front of me, I wouldn’t have seen them until it was too late. That was the moment I lost my confidence in driving at night—I stopped because I didn’t want to put myself or others at risk.”  

For many, the consequences of ceasing to drive go beyond mobility; they also result in a loss of independence and social isolation. Jillian’s personal experience reflects these concerns. She explained, “I do now feel less independent. After moving to a new address, I find it hard to access transport—most cabs and Uber drivers won’t tackle my steep driveway. I often rely on family members, but sometimes it’s just not feasible.”  

New research released 

New research MDFA, in partnership with the University of New South Wales, reveals that a significant number of people with macular disease have had to stop driving due to vision loss.  

The study, with results launched as part of Macula Month 2025, surveyed nearly 1,500 Australians living with macular disease and found that 35% of respondents have stopped driving. Among those who ceased driving, 67% attributed their decision to vision loss, while 18% followed their doctor’s recommendation to stop driving. Additionally, 9% made the choice based on advice from family members.  

Participants also reported feeling unsafe or a potential risk to others on the road, experiencing a loss of confidence behind the wheel, or even having been involved in an accident as factors that led to their decision to stop.  

The research also found: 

• 79% of those who have stopped driving reported feeling less independent.  
• 38% feel socially isolated after giving up their driver’s licence.  
• 29% of people with macular disease are less satisfied with life because they can no longer drive.  
• More than half (56%) of respondents still driving expressed a high level of concern about losing their licence, and 73% feared losing their independence.

MDFA calls for standardised vision assessments for driver licence tests 

MDFA says one of the most pressing issues highlighted by the research is the need for consistent rules around vision tests across all states and territories for driver licences. Currently, different states and territories have different requirements for vision tests to obtain or maintain a licence.  

MDFA is calling for standardised vision assessment rules for driver licence tests across Australia. This would help ensure safety and fairness for all Australians on the road, for both drivers and pedestrians.  

Media release available here. 

Posted: 7 May 2025