Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) has teamed up with TerryWhite Chemmart to raise awareness about the importance of monitoring changes in vision for early detection of macular disease.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects approximately 1.5 million Australians and is the leading cause of irreversible severe vision loss and blindness in Australia. This equates to, Â 1 in 7 Australians over the age of 50 years exhibiting some form of this condition. Additionally, between 300,000 and 400,000 Australians are affected by diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of preventable blindness among the working-age population.
Despite the high prevalence of macular disease in the Australian community, 25% of cases remain undiagnosed. To tackle this issue, MDFA and TerryWhite Chemmart are providing the 50 plus community with a fast and easy way to understand and assess their risk factors for macular disease.
“Our partnership with Macular Disease Foundation Australia has helped us to start conversations with patients and get these important tools into their hands,” said Brenton Hart, Chief Pharmacist at TerryWhite Chemmart
We look to raise awareness of these tools including the Check My Macula online quiz. In less than one minute, a TerryWhite Chemmart customer can learn about their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease and then promptly schedule an eye test with their local optometrist.
In addition to the risk assessment quiz, MDFA has provided the TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacy network with Amsler grids, which patients can collect for free at their local pharmacy. The Amsler grid is an essential home monitoring tool for people over 50 years of age to pick up any changes to their vision in between their eye tests. Patients are encouraged to place the Amsler grid on their fridge and check their vision at home on a weekly basis. If any changes are noticed, it is essential to book an appointment with a local eye health professional immediately.
Pharmacists also have a valuable role to play in early detection and reducing the impact of macular disease in the community. This is fundamental to the collaboration between TerryWhite Chemmart and MDFA, according to Dr. Kathy Chapman, CEO of MDFA.
MDFA and TerryWhite Chemmart are committed to promoting eye health and preventing vision loss in the community. To learn more about the Check My Macula online quiz and to pick up a free Amsler grid, visit your local TerryWhite Chemmart.
