Amsler Grid

The Amsler grid is a useful tool to detect vision problems resulting from damage to the macula (the central part of the retina).

Report any irregularity to your eye care professional immediately.

The grid does not replace having your macula tested by an eye care professional, particularly if you are over 50 yrs old or have any risk factors for macular degeneration.

Amsler Grid

How to do it

  1. Cover one eye, then focus on the dot in the centre.
  2. Do any of the lines look wavy, blurred or distorted?
  3. Are there any missing areas or dark areas in the grid?
  4. Don't forget to test
    both eyes.

Education and Treatment Seminars launched May 2014

  

In line with Awareness Week, MDNZ launched the 2014 education and treatment seminars in Christchurch in May.  This was followed by Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Dunedin, New Plymouth, Gisborne, Tauranga, Napier and Auckland.   Thank you to ophthalmologists:  Dr Jim Borthwick, Dr David Worsley, Dr John Ah-Chan, Dr Helen Long, Dr Andrew Thompson, Dr Kevin Taylor Dr Graham Wilson, Dr Kay Evens, Dr Muhammad Ibrar Khalid, Dr Dianne Sharp and Dr David Squirrell.

Thanks also to sponsor Bayer NZ and grantor NZ Lottery Community Organisations Grants Scheme for their support.   We were quite astounded by the numbers registering and turning up on the day.  People want to know more.

In addition to the education and treatment seminars MDNZ was invited to speak to 17 community groups in 2014 to a total audience of 878 people.  These are led by local ophthalmologists telling the MD story as presented by MDNZ, often together with a local personal story.

 

 

  

ET Seminar Lower Hutt 017

Dr Helen Long speaking in Lower Hutt

  

Education Seminars 2015

  

The education seminars in 2014 in the larger cities were so successful that we are planning regional seminars in 2015.

Planned locations are:

  • Whangarei/Kerikeri
  • Rotorua/Taupo
  • Kapiti Coast/Levin/Wairarapa
  • Blenheim/Nelson
  • Timaru
  • Invercargill/South Otago
  • Auckland

We will advise you of dates, times and locations of the seminar near you, just as soon as we can finalise them.		  
   
Napier Seminar

 

   Dr Rachel barnes at Pakuranga Probus

 

  

A large crowd turned out to hear Dr Ibrar Khalid in Napier

  

Dr Rachel Barnes speaks to Pakuranga Ladies Probus Club

  

 

Learn more about Macular Degeneration

Find out how MD affects the lives of real New Zealanders. Watch the video, learn about the risks and see how MD is a growing problem in our society.

 

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 Video  

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Map: Where is MD in NZ?

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a growing problem in NZ. Total prevalence is predicted to be 206,908 in 2018.

View more

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Getting tested is simple

There is a quick and easy way to tell if MD affects your vision.  Click on the link below to see if you have the common warning signs.

Test Button

  MDNZ Website 3steps

What you need to know

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What's the chance?

In New Zealand MD affects 1 in 7 people over the age of 50 years

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Smoking

Smokers have 3 times the risk of developing MD and tend to develop MD 10 years earlier than non-smokers

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Is it getting worse?

It is estimated the number of people with MD will increase by 70% by 2030
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More common than you think

Age related Macular Degeneration is the most common cause of blindness

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You need to know!

Of those most at risk (50+) 67% have heard of MD and only 48% understand that it is an eye disorder. *Galaxy Poll March 2014

People with a family history of MD have a 50% chance of inheriting the genetic predisposition of developing MD.

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What if I don't have treatment?

Untreated, the majority of people with wet MD become functionally blind within 2 years

Stay connected with MDNZ

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Stories

Lois' Story

It was 10 years ago, when I was 73, that I visited my optometrist having noticed, whilst playing golf, that the “putting pin” appeared crooked and wavy. It was decided I needed to visit an ophthalmologist which I did only to be told I had MD.
Read Story

Pic's Story

My employees tell me that my sight loss is ironic, given that they are guided by my vision for the business

Read Story 

Lorraine's Story

When the specialist told me I would need an injection in my eye, it just about sent me to the moon! I really didn't like the idea but told myself I'd have to be big and brave about it.

Read Story

“In April 2008 after 4 monthly treatments of Lucentis
my sight had not only stabilized, but improved...”