What is Eye Connect?
Receiving a diagnosis of a macular disease such as age-related macular degeneration, or a diabetes-related eye condition like diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema can be challenging. People tell us they feel many emotions, from disbelief and apprehension to sadness or even depression.
It’s normal to feel this way, and we’re here to help.
Since 2001, we’ve supported the approximately 1.9 million Australians living with these conditions, as well as their families and carers. After collaborating with patients, their carers and eye care professionals we developed a service to provide the best care in between visits to your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Introducing Eye Connect, your guide to living well with age-related macular degeneration or diabetes-related eye conditions.
Who is Eye Connect for?
Eye Connect is for anyone diagnosed with:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR)
- Diabetic macular oedema (DMO)
If you’re not sure about your diagnosis, our team can help you understand your condition and the support available, or help you with the questions to ask your eye care professional to confirm your diagnosis.
If you have another macular condition, we can help in other ways. Call our Helpline team on 1800 111 709 or email info@mdfoundation.com.au
What to expect from Eye Connect
Eye Connect is free and focuses on support across three areas:
Health information:
Evidence-based information about your eye condition, and non-clinical support services to help you confidently manage your health.
Practical advice:
Tips and guidance on nutrition for healthy eyes, immediate care after appointments, daily living with reduced or low vision, and even transport advice.
Emotional support:
A new diagnosis and/or managing life with a chronic eye condition can be challenging. Our experienced and friendly Eye Connect team can help you manage worries and concerns about your diagnosis and treatment and connect you to peer support.
Each month over approximately 12 months, you will receive packages of information – by post or email – tailored to your needs. You can also sign up for regular phone check ins to keep connected and talk to someone who understands what you’re going through.
Eye Connect can help you better understand and manage life with your eye condition. Support is available by phone, email, or printed resources – whichever you prefer.
Joining Eye Connect is easy
Complete the contact form and one of our friendly team will be in touch within two business days to get you started.
People don’t realise there is support and services available for people living with macular degeneration. I have someone I can turn to if I have any doubts about my condition.
Joan – Eye Connect participant
I’ve gone from knowing nothing about my condition to understanding it very clearly. I’m so glad I joined this program.
Margaret – Eye Connect participant
I feel fortunate to benefit from this program and the regular phone calls, which allow me to discuss various aspects of my condition and ask any questions I have. I am very grateful for this excellent service.
Masuma – Eye Connect participant
Between visits to your eye health professional, it is important to regularly monitor for changes in your vision. Our Amsler grid is a simple tool, that helps you do that.
Order a free Amsler grid
