New research has revealed the extraordinary sacrifices Australians would make to preserve their vision, with many willing to delay retirement, return to work or go into debt to afford sight‑saving treatment.
Commissioned by Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) and released for Macula Month 2026, the YouGov survey of more than 1,000 Australians aged 50–70 found that three in ten would delay retirement if diagnosed with macular disease, while 17% said they would re‑enter the workforce to pay for treatment.
The findings also show that 27% of working Australians believe they would go into debt to cover the cost of treatment, and 28% of retirees said they would go without care altogether.
About one in seven Australians over 50 have some evidence of age‑related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the country.
Macular Disease Foundation CEO Dr Kathy Chapman said the results highlight a confronting reality — that many Australians understand the importance of treatment but simply cannot afford it.
“No one should have to sacrifice a dignified retirement to save their vision,” Dr Chapman said. “It’s an unacceptable choice that should concern all Australians.”
For some, that choice is already a daily struggle. Michael, an 81‑year‑old from Sydney living with AMD in both eyes, continues to work to afford his regular eye injections.
“When I stop working, the injections will stop,” he said. “Certainly in one eye, and most likely in both. From there it’s just a waiting game until I go blind. That’s the fear I live with every day.”
The research also exposes the severe financial strain on low‑income households and pension card holders — the Australians most vulnerable to losing access to treatment.
“There is simply no slack in household budgets for pensioners,” Dr Chapman said. “With the rising cost of essentials like housing, energy and groceries, many cannot see any viable way to afford ongoing treatment.”
Treatment for AMD is typically required every four to 16 weeks and is often lifelong. Cost remains one of the main reasons patients discontinue care, with around half stopping treatment within five years.
Eye injections are primarily delivered in private ophthalmology clinics, and only about 28% of these clinics offer bulk billing. This means more than 72,000 Australians receiving eye injections must pay significant out‑of‑pocket costs to preserve their sight — a price many cannot afford.
For patients like Michael, the consequences of stopping treatment are devastating. “The thought of losing my vision and driver’s licence is terrifying,” he said. “It wouldn’t just affect my independence. It would rob me of my ability to care for my wife and drive her to medical appointments.”
To address what it calls an “eye care crisis,” the Macular Disease Foundation is urging the Federal Government to introduce a Neovascular AMD Treatment Incentive Program. The initiative would encourage ophthalmologists to bulk bill pension card holders receiving eye injections for neovascular AMD, helping those most at risk of stopping treatment due to cost.
The Foundation estimates the program would cost the government around $40 million a year but could ultimately save $580 million annually by preventing avoidable vision loss and its associated economic impacts.
In 2010, the total annual economic cost of vision loss in Australia was estimated at $16.6 billion — or $29,000 per person over 40 with vision loss. The cost of AMD alone was estimated at $5.15 billion, including $748.4 million in direct costs. These figures are now likely to be much higher due to inflation and population growth.
Dr Chapman said the proposed program would be a practical and compassionate step toward protecting the sight — and dignity — of older Australians. “By targeting those most financially vulnerable and encouraging more bulk billing, we can ensure no one has to choose between their vision and their livelihood,” she said.
