Honouring a legacy, supporting regional communities
Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) is proud to announce the launch of a new $100,000 research grant to support Australians living with macular disease in regional and rural communities, where access to specialist care and sight-saving treatment remains a significant challenge.
This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to protecting their vision, regardless of where they live.
The Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award, announced on World Sight Day (9 October 2025) and marking the start of MDFA’s 25th anniversary year, will fund innovative research focused on improving diagnosis, treatment, and support for people living with macular or retinal disease outside major cities.
About Elisabeth Macdonald
The award honours the legacy of Elisabeth Macdonald, a long-time MDFA supporter who lived in Armidale and understood the realities of rural life. Diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2005, Elisabeth later developed neovascular (wet) AMD and made the difficult decision to move closer to medical care. Her financial gift to MDFA was made with a clear request: to support research that benefits people in regional and rural areas.
“My aunty 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.”
Bridging the gap in eye health access
Macular disease is the leading cause of vision loss in Australia. Yet access to treatment – particularly eye injections for conditions like AMD – is limited. While 84% of ophthalmologists are based in major cities, they serve only 72% of the population. The remaining 16% must support the 28% of Australians (around 7 million people) who live in regional and remote areas.
MDFA research shows that 11% of patients receiving eye injections have considered delaying or stopping treatment due to travel distance, and the overall cost of living with macular or retinal disease is higher for those outside metropolitan centres.
The new award will fund research that addresses these disparities, aiming to improve access to care and deepen understanding of the unique challenges faced by regional communities. Researchers from any relevant field in Australia are eligible to apply.
“Too many Australians living in regional communities face significant barriers to accessing sight-saving treatment,” said Dr Kathy Chapman, CEO of MDFA. “This award is about taking steps to help change that.”
The Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award joins MDFA’s Research Grants Program, which has committed over $6.9 million to 42 projects since its launch in 2011 – making it the largest non-government source of funding for macular and retinal disease research in Australia.
Learn more about the Elisabeth Macdonald Memorial Award and how to apply here.
Read the full media release here.
ARE YOU A RESEARCHER – APPLY HERE
