Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) is pleased to announce Professor Sanchia Aranda AM as its new Chair, following Graeme Head AO stepping down after four years in the role.
Professor Aranda, who joined the MDFA Board in 2025, brings extensive expertise across health, education, research, disability and the for-purpose sector. She has led organisational transformation, strengthened governance, championed consumer involvement in cancer research, and is highly experienced in leading public education campaigns.
Currently Chair of Scope Australia and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance, Professor Aranda began her career in nursing and was the first nurse to lead Cancer Council Australia as CEO.
Professor Aranda – who has a strong family history of age-related macular degeneration, which affected both parents – says she is passionate about contributing to changing public understanding of macular disease.
“Stepping into the role of Chair is a privilege,” she said. “I extend my sincere thanks to Graeme Head AO for his outstanding leadership and steady stewardship of Macular Disease Foundation Australia.
“As we approach the Foundation’s 25th anniversary, we honour a legacy built by a community supporting one another, empowering thousands of Australians living with macular disease. Together, we look ahead to new opportunities to strengthen this community, deepen our impact, broaden our research agenda, and ensure that every Australian has the best chance of preserving their sight.”
Mr Head’s departure coincides with his appointment as the new CEO of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) in November this year.
“Macular Disease Foundation and fellow Board members sincerely thank Graeme for his commitment and guidance, which have strengthened our organisation and its support for the macular disease community,” said MDFA CEO, Dr Kathy Chapman. “Professor Aranda’s leadership will be pivotal as we advance research, advocacy and improve outcomes for Australians living with macular disease.”
Professor Aranda’s appointment as Chair is effective immediately.
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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 is the largest cause of blindness and vision loss in Australia. 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. Of the 1.5 million people in Australia diagnosed with diabetes, between 25% to 35% of people have some degree of diabetic retinopathy. 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.
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