MDFA has expanded its free Eye Connect service to support Australians living with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema – two of the most common diabetes-related eye conditions. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with Diabetes Australia’s KeepSight program, which helps prevent vision loss through regular eye check reminders.
The scope of the problem
Of the 1.5 million people in Australia diagnosed with diabetes, between 25% to 35% have some degree of diabetic retinopathy.1,2 Among them, an estimated 91,000 are living with diabetic macular oedema, a complication of diabetic retinopathy. These conditions are the leading cause of preventable blindness among working-age Australians.
What Eye Connect offers
The enhanced service now includes:
- Personalised education on diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema
- Lifestyle and vision adaptation tips
- Peer support and regular check-ins
- Multi-channel access via phone, SMS, email, and print
Insights from lived experience
The service was shaped by research and direct input from people living with diabetes-related eye conditions. Many participants spoke of the emotional toll of vision loss, describing feelings of fear, isolation, and a loss of independence.
Initially, it was really-really scary to find out you need to have injections in your eyes. I started searching online to find out what it is about. I found a lot of scientific or medical information, but there was really nothing about the process that I could find myself.
Jo, who lives with diabetic macular oedema
Designed with people in mind
To ensure Eye Connect meets people’s needs, MDFA and Diabetes Australia worked closely with health professionals across eye care and diabetes management. Their insights helped develop resources that reflect real-life experiences and align with broader care strategies.
Tailored support for complex needs
MDFA CEO, Dr Kathy Chapman said the expanded service is Australia’s first national support program dedicated to both age-related macular degeneration and diabetes-related eye conditions.
“This partnership brings together expertise in eye health and diabetes to provide practical advice, emotional support, and tailored education,” Dr Chapman said. “It complements clinical care by helping people manage their condition between appointments.”
Getting Started with Eye Connect
MDFA has launched the Eye Connect Check – a new online self-assessment tool that helps people understand how the service can support them. It’s a simple way for you to self-refer and start receiving help tailored to your journey. Take the check here.
Read the full media release here.
References
1. National Health and Medical Research Council (2008). Guidelines for the management of diabetic retinopathy.
2. S. Keel, J. Xie, J. Foreman, P. van Wijngaarden, H.R. Taylor, M. Dirani. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Australian adults with self-reported diabetes: the National Eye Health Survey. Ophthalmology, 124 (7) (2017), pp. 977-984.
New research award targets vision health in regional and rural Australia
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.