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Macular Disease Foundation Australia funds world-leading research which aims to reduce the incidence and impact of macular degeneration. Applications are now open for the latest round of the Macular Disease Foundation Australia Research Grants Program. There are two major funding pools for macular degeneration research to commence in 2018.

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The Macular Disease Foundation Australia Research Grants Program was launched in 2011 to fulfil the Foundation’s objective to support research to reduce the incidence and impact of macular degeneration and ultimately to find a cure for this chronic disease. Since the program launch, over $2.8 million has been committed to world leading Australian researchers.

The Foundation’s grants and fellowships make significant contributions to Australian medical, low vision and nutritional research into macular degeneration. They are awarded following rigorous evaluation, based largely on the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) process, along with international peer review, to ensure that the successful applicants meet the highest standards.

The Foundation awarded Research Grants, totalling $1.3 million at an event held at Admiralty House in celebration of World Sight Day on 8 October 2015.

The Foundation was honoured the His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) announced the Foundation's successful recipients.

Grants available (for research commencing in 2016) were:

Macular Disease Foundation Australia Research Grant
This grant/s is open to a range of research areas such as bio-medical, low vision, nutrition or related to practices and protocols in treatment.

Blackmores Macular Disease Foundation Australia Research Grant
In partnership, Blackmores and Macular Disease Foundation Australia was pleased to introduce a new grant/s to encourage and enhance research into the nutrition and/or lifestyle aspects of macular degeneration.

The recipients of the grants (for research commencing in 2016) were:

Professor Mark Gillies
Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney
For more information, click here.

Associate Professor Chi Luu
Centre for Eye Research Australia
For more information, click here.

Dr Gerald Liew
Centre for Vision Research, Westmead Millennium Institute,
The University of Sydney
For more information, click here.

Professor Steven Krilis
St George Hospital, UNSW Australia
For more information, click here.

Dr Isabelle Jalbert
UNSW Australia School of Optometry and Vision Science
For more information, click here.

Dr Laura Downie
Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences,
The University of Melbourne
For more information, click here.

The Foundation awarded Research Grants, totalling $600,000 over three years, at an event held at the Sydney Opera House in celebration of World Sight Day on 10 October 2013.

The Foundation was honoured to have the Hon. Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Health, Minister for Sport, announce the Foundation's successful recipients against the backdrop of the “Through his Eyes” photo tribute to Sydney Opera House designer Jørn Utzon. Jørn lived with macular degeneration in his later life.

The recipients of the grants (for research commencing in 2014) were:

Associate Professor Erica Fletcher
Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience
University of Melbourne

For more information, click here.

Associate Professor Damien Harkin
School of Biomedical Sciences,
Queensland University of Technology and Queensland Eye Institute

For more information, click here.

To read about the research grant announcement held at Sydney Opera House, click here.

The Foundation awarded its inaugural research grants, totalling nearly three-quarters of a million dollars over three years, at an event hosted by Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, CVO, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia at Admiralty House on 13 October 2011.

The grants were awarded to two world leading Australian researchers to support crucial research to shed light on prevention and early detection in order to save the sight of Australians.

The recipients of the grants (for research commencing in 2012) were:

Professor Paul Mitchell
Director Centre for Vision Research Westmead Millennium Institute
The University of Sydney

For more information, click here.

Professor Robyn Guymer
Deputy Director Centre for Eye Research Australia
University of Melbourne
Co - investigators: Prof Greg Hageman, Associate Professor Paul Baird and Dr Chi Luu

For more information, click here.

To read about the research grant announcement held at Admiralty House, click here.

In recognition of the extraordinary work performed by the Foundation's Founding Director, Dr Paul Beaumont, the Blackmores Dr Paul Beaumont Research Fellowship was launched in 2011. The Foundation is most grateful to Blackmores for supporting this Fellowship.

The Fellowship is awarded to researchers based in eligible Australian institutions to pursue research into nutritional and/or lifestyle aspects of macular degeneration, consistent with the mission of the Foundation to reduce the incidence and impact of macular degeneration.

The inaugural 2012 Fellowship (announced in 2011) was a one-year grant. In 2012 the Fellowship was increased to a duration of two years and supported with an additional $10,000 from the Foundation to total $50,000 per year.

The recipient of the 2015-16 Fellowship (announced in October 2014) was:

Associate Professor Bamini Gopinath
Principal Research Fellow
Centre for Vision Research
Westmead Millennium Institute

For more information, click here.

The recipient of the 2013-14 Fellowship (announced in December 2012) was:

Dr Bamini Gopinath
Senior Research Fellow
Centre for Vision Research
Westmead Millennium Institute

For more information, click here.

The recipient of the 2012 Fellowship (announced in October 2011) was:

Dr Liubov Robman
Senior Research Fellow
Centre for Eye Research Australia
University of Melbourne

For more information, click here.

Researchers around the world are currently working on macular diseases to find reasons for these diseases and the answers needed. There are many ongoing clinical trials and the Foundation is proud of the many brilliant and dedicated Australian researchers who form part of this international team.

• Macular Disease Research Update 2016 (for patients, carers and families)

There is ongoing research into macular degeneration both in Australia and around the world. The Macular Disease Foundation Australia provides access to research reports for the macular degeneration community to review and learn more about the disease. It is important to note however, that some research studies are more robust that others, and that there are differing opinions amongst the medical community about the validity of some of the research.

• FOUNDATION ADVOCACY

• RISK FACTORS

• SUPPLEMENTS

• NUTRITION AND DIET

• WET MD TREATMENTS

• CATARACT AND MD

• OTHER DISEASES AND MD

• CURRENT CLINICAL TRIALS

• RECENT RESEARCH DEVELOPMENTS

• SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS

• OTHER RELEVANT AUSTRALIAN PUBLICATIONS

• LINKS TO OTHER RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS

In 2012, the Macular Disease Foundation Australia reported on the layers of activities that have been undertaken in Australia over several years to improve awareness. This paper which was published in the American Journal of Public Health also reports on the outstanding outcomes achieved.

For more information, please click here.

Age, family history and smoking are the only proven risk factors for macular degeneration, with smoking being the only modifiable risk factor.

• An overview of studies on modifiable risk factors associated with macular degeneration, written by Dr Robyn H. Guymer Professor Centre for Eye Research Australia.
  • Modifiable Risk Factors Associated with MD 2006

• The following studies support the growing body of evidence indicating that smoking is related to an increased risk of developing macular degeneration.
  • Further Observations on the Association Between Smoking and the Long-term Incidence and Progression of Age-related Macular Degeneration: The Beaver Dam Eye Study 2008
    
    
  • A Review of Studies on Smoking and MD 2005
  
  
  • Risk Factors for Incident of MD 2004
  
  

• This research supports the growing evidence that macular degeneration is hereditary, with a 50% chance of developing macular degeneration if a family history of the disease is present.
  
  • Complement Factor H variant increases the risk for early Age-related Macular Degeneration 2008
    
    
  • A Review of Recent Publications Related to the Genetics of MD 2007
    
    
  • Genetic Risk of Developing Advanced MD 2007
    
    
  • Mapping of MD Factor H Gene 2007
    
    
  • Genetic Influence on Early MD: A Twin Study 2007

• The following research papers provide evidence that macular degeneration affects 1 in 7 Australians over the age of 50, with the incidence increasing with age.
  • Ten Year Incidence and Progression of MD; The Blue Mountains Eye Study 2007
  
  

• AREDS2 (2013)
  • The initial results of the AREDS2 study were released in May 2013. This study recommends some small modifications to the original AREDS formulation, please click here.

• Clinical trials conducted in the United States, titled The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) have found that antioxidants and zinc could help to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), among people with intermediate and late stages of macular degeneration.
  • Summary of Results of the AREDS Study 2001

• A review of four large randomised trials comparing antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplementation (alone or in combination) to a control intervention in people conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration.
  • A Review of Studies on Supplements and MD 2012

Please consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. Some foods and/or supplements can have an adverse effect on individual health conditions or drug regimens.

• The following papers provide evidence that suggests that a diet high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which can be found in a number of fruit and vegetables, can protect against the development or progression of macular degeneration.
  • Diet and risk factors for age-related maculopathy 2008
    
    
  • Transport and retinal capture of lutein and zeaxanthin with reference to AMD 2008
    
    
  • Dietary antioxidants and the long-term incidence of AMD: the Blue Mountains Eye Study 2008
    
    
  • Dietary Lutein and Zeaxanthin Protect Eyes from Wet MD 2007
    
    
  • Lutein and Zeaxanthin Nutrients for Eye Health 2003
    
    
  • A Review of Evidence on the Role of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Protecting against MD 2003

   

• The following studies supports growing evidence that eating fish and nuts can provide protection against early and late AMD in this older Australian.
  • Association with MD and Fish Consumption, Smoking and Omega-3 Fatty Acids 2006
    
    
  • Dietary Fat, Trans Fat, Nuts and Fish intake and MD 2004

The following papers provide evidence regarding the extent of success about various treatments for wet macular degeneration available in Australia.

• Lucentis (Ranibizumab)
  • Improved Vision-Related Function After Ranibizumab vs. Photodynamic Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial 2009
    
    
  • Trial of Ranibizumab for Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration: PIER Study 2010
    
    
  • Clinical Trial Results of Lucentis 2006
    
    
  • Success of Lucentis Vs Success of Visudyne Clinical Trial 2006

   

• Eylea (aflibercept) is an anti-VEGF treatment introduced in Australia in December 2012. Click here and here for information about the pivotal VIEW1 and VIEW2 studies.

   

• CATT (Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials) was a large study funded by the US National Institute of Health to compare the efficacy of Lucentis (ranibizumab) and Avastin (bevacizumab).
  • CATT 1 year results
    
    
  • CATT 2 year results

• The following research studies address the possible relationship between cataract surgery and increased prevalence of advanced macular degeneration.
  • Cataract surgery and the risk of aging macula disorder: the Rotterdam Study 2008
    
    
  • Age-related maculopathy and cataract surgery outcomes: visual acuity and health-related quality of life 2007
    
    
  • Early age-related maculopathy in eyes after cataract surgery 2007
    
    
  • Is there an association between cataract surgery and AMD? Data from three population-based studies 2003

• Macular Degeneration and Heart Disease
  Researchers at the University of Sydney have conducted a study which suggests that the risk of dying from cardiovascular conditions is at least doubled in people with AMD.
  Read the Summary

• Read the Detailed Study Macular Degeneration and Chronic Kidney Disease. Two studies have suggested that there is a link between chronic kidney disease and the incidence of macular degeneration

• Macular Degeneration and Chronic Kidney Disease
  Two studies have suggested that there is a link between chronic kidney disease and the incidence of macular degeneration.
  
  • Serum Cystatin C Level, Kidney Disease Markers, and Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Beaver Dam Eye Study 2009
    
    
  • Chronic Kidney Disease Increases the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration 2008

• There are a large number of macular degeneration clinical trials being conducted in the USA. Please see link below for a detailed list.
  • National Institute of Health US Clinical Trial

• A significant amount of research into various stem cell treatments is underway.
  • Advanced Cell Technologies (USA) is progressing well with the development of stem cell treatment for people with end stage macular degeneration and Stargardt’s disease. Please click here and here for further information.
    
    
  • London Project to Cure Blindness (Stem cell research) is a collaboration between the University College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital to accelerate the development of stem cell treatments for eye diseases including macular degeneration.

• Findings from a study conducted in America suggested that high doses of vigorous exercise (running) are associated with lower incidence of AMD.
  • Prospective Study of Incident Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Relation to Vigorous Physical Activity during a 7-Year Follow-up 2008

• A study published in Australia studied red meat and chicken consumption and its association with age-related macular degeneration. The results from this study suggest that different meats may differently affect AMD risk and may be a target for lifestyle modification. Please note that this is the first study of its kind worldwide and the quantity of meat consumption is very large.
  • Red Meat and Chicken Consumption and Its Association With Age-related Macular Degeneration 2008

• A 2012 article from CERA in Melbourne demonstrated that drinking more than 20g of alcohol per day (2 standard drinks) increased the risk of early macular degeneration by 20%
  • Alcohol and Age-related Macular Degeneration

• Pooled results from 5 cohort studies showed that heavy alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of early AMD however the association with the risk of late AMD was inconclusive. Multiple studies have been conducted in this area with varying results. Further research is required to identify whether heavy drinking is associated with the onset of macular degeneration
  • Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 2008

• The following publications by the Centre for Eye Research Australia provide detailed information about the social and economic impact of macular degeneration on the Australian community.
  • Centrally Focussed - The Impact of Age-Related Macular Degeneration 2006
    
    
  • Investing in Sight - Strategic Interventions to Prevent Vision Loss in Australia 2005
    
    
  • Clear Insight- The Economic Impact and Cost of Vision Loss in Australia 2004

   

• The following link addresses the issue of depression among people with macular degeneration.
  
  • Depression in Age-Related Macular Degeneration 2008
    
    

• Eyes on the future – A clear outlook on age-related macular degeneration in Australia (2011)
  • This is a detailed report by the Macular Disease Foundation and Deloitte, with significant input from Professor Paul Mitchell. The report gives a detailed description of the epidemiology, risk factors, management, treatment, economics and rehabilitation of macular degeneration in Australia.
    
    

   

• Australian Eye Health Data
  • A guide to Australian Eye Health Data (2nd edition) 2009
    
    

   

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
  
  • Eye health in Australia: a hospital perspective 2008
    
    
  • Vision Problems Among Older Australians 2005

• Macular Disease Foundation Australia Research
  • Project Vision II: The Macular Degeneration Foundation Member Survey 2008
    
    

• Advocating for Improved Treatment and Outcomes for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (2012)
• A report based on the Australian Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Coalition Expert Summit convened in Sydney, Australia
  (for further information see Eye health at the centre of international white paper Macular Disease Foundation Australia welcomes findings)

• National Eye Institute (US)

• Centre for the Study of MD (USA)

• Centre for Eye Research Australia