Four years ago Peter Sierakowski was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a genetic condition and the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in Australia.

“I always thought vision loss was a gradual process.  In my case, I woke up to discover that I could no longer see out of my right eye.  I was terrified,” he says.

On the advice of a friend, Peter consulted Professor Robyn Guymer, head of the Macular Research Unit at the Centre for Eye Research Australia, and a practising ophthalmologist at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

He was invited to participate in a research trial at CERA to test a new treatment for AMD – the now widely used drug Lucentis. For Peter, the results of the trial were pleasing. “I’m happy to report that my vision remains stable.  For me, this is a fantastic result.”

Peter says he will always be indebted to the research staff at CERA.  It was this gratitude and his passion for research that led him to support the Eye Research Australia Foundation.  He is now a regular donor and intends to leave a bequest to the Foundation in his will.

“I’ve always been a proactive person so when I was diagnosed, I made it my mission to learn as much as I could about AMD and contribute in any way I could to AMD research,” he says.

“I have discussed my decision with my family and I have their full support.  They understand my plight with AMD and my motivation to make a difference in this area.”