Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) has reached 100,000 completions on the Check My Macula quiz – and marked the milestone by launching a new series of educational videos to help patients learn more about eye health.
One year since launching the short online quiz, the organisation says more than 100,000 Australians now know their individual risk factors for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. Thousands of users have also downloaded vital eye health information, and many have gone on to book an eye examination through Check My Macula’s ‘find an optometrist’ search function.
MDFA has celebrated the anniversary by releasing the Eye Health video series, comprising bite-sized clips that share important health advice in a simple manner.
Each eye health video is one or two minutes long, answering many of the most common questions that people ask about their eye health.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the macular disease community told us that they’re looking for short, sharp video content – and we listened,” MDFA CEO Ms Dee Hopkins says.
“The Check My Macula quiz has introduced 100,000 Australians to their risk factors for macular disease and diabetic eye disease over the past 12 months. I hope the Eye Health video series can now educate even more people about how they can take care of their eyes.”
The 27-video series has been supported by NSW Health and Novartis, whose funding allows MDFA to deliver education and awareness programs, as well as support services to Australians with macular disease.
The Eye Health video series aims to improve patients’ understanding of various macular conditions, possible treatments and preventions, lifestyle changes they can make to protect their sight, and tips to live well with vision loss.
Some questions that the Eye Health video series answers:
- How does the eye work?
- What foods are good for my eyes?
- What are the risk factors for AMD?
- How do eye injections work?
- I’ve been diagnosed with AMD, what do I need to tell my family?
- Can diabetes affect my eyes?
- How can I take care of my mental health with vision loss?
- What low vision aids could help me?
Patients can watch the Eye Health video series today on YouTube and they will also be available on the MDFA’s website.
More reading
MDFA responds after NSW health chief says eye checks can be deferred
Inaugural macular disease study offers fresh insight into patient experiences
Annual out-of-pocket eye injection costs to double to $3,900 under rebate cut – modelling
