Living with a macular disease, and the associated vision loss, is an ongoing challenge for people in regional and rural Australia, where access to specialist care and sight-saving treatment remains more limited.
To help address this, Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) has announced a new $100,000 research grant to support innovative solutions specifically focused on investigating aspects of vision health, care and support relevant to people living with a macular or retinal disease in regional and rural areas.
Created in memory of long-time MDFA supporter the late Elisabeth Macdonald – who requested that her financial gift support research focused on people living with macular disease in rural and regional areas – the launch of the new Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award coincides with World Sight Day (9 October 2025) and marks the beginning of MDFA’s 25th anniversary year.
Macular disease is the leading cause of vision loss in Australia. Limited access to sight-saving eye injection treatment is a national challenge, particularly for people living outside of major cities. Most ophthalmologists are based in major cities (approximately 84 percent), with the remaining 16 percent servicing the 28 percent of Australians (7 million people) living in regional and remote communities.1,2
This limited access 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 percent of people receiving sight-saving eye injections have considered delaying or stopping their treatment due to travel distance.3 In addition, the overall costs of living with a macular or retinal disease is higher for people living outside of major cities.4
The Award will fund research into macular and retinal diseases with a particular focus on improving access to diagnosis and treatment, and eye health care outcomes for people in non-metropolitan 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,” said Dr Kathy Chapman, CEO, Macular Disease Foundation Australia. “The Elisabeth MacDonald Memorial Award is about taking steps to help change that.”
“By investing in research that focuses 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. 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.”
Elisabeth moved to Armidale in 1969, where she lived on acreage outside of town and considered herself a die-hard “bushie.” Following her early-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) diagnosis in 2005 – and later with neovascular (wet) AMD in 2010 – she 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, Elisabeth’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.”
“As we mark the launch of MDFA’s 25th anniversary and this year’s World Sight Day, the Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award is a fitting tribute to both her legacy and our ongoing commitment to advancing Australian research. By supporting innovative projects, particularly in underserved regional and rural areas, we aim to reduce the burden of macular disease on individuals, families, and communities, said Dr Chapman.”
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 ground-breaking research projects in Australia, making it the largest source of non-government funding for macular and retinal disease research in the country.
More information about the Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award and eligibility criteria can be found on MDFA’s website.
More information
About Macular Disease Foundation Australia
Macular Disease Foundation Australia is the independent national peak body fighting for the sight of the macular disease community. Our purpose is to reduce the impact of macular disease.
We work with the community and the health system to promote early detection, reduce progressive vision loss and to save sight. We provide a range of free, tailored resources and support services to help people live optimally with macular disease. Our advocacy work amplifies the voice of our community to influence and collaborate for positive outcomes. We invest in vital research, working towards better management, treatments, and cures. Our work is supported by the generosity of the Australian community.
About macular disease
Macular disease covers a range of conditions that affect the central retina (the macula) at the back of the eye. People with macular disease progressively lose their detailed central vision, and ability to recognise faces, read, drive and undertake many aspects of daily life. The most common conditions are age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, including diabetic macular oedema. One in seven (approximately 1.5 million) Australians over the age of 50 have some evidence of AMD. Diabetic eye disease affects between 300,000 and 400,000 Australians – the leading cause of preventable blindness among the working-age population.
References
1. Australian Government Department of Health. (2018). Australia’s Future Health Workforce – Ophthalmology. Accessed at https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/ophthalmology-australias-future-health-workforce-report?language=en
2. Australian Government Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Rural and remote health. Accessed at www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/rural-and-remote-health
3. PwC and Macular Disease Foundation Australia (2020). Estimating the costs and associated impact of new models of care for intravitreal injections.
4. Macular Disease Foundation. 2025. Social Impact Survey 3.
Posted: 1 October 2025
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