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News
Donations help put better treatments for AMD in sight
We are incredibly grateful to the many generous CERA supporters who donated to our 2024 mid-year appeal in support of our research into prevention of and improved treatments for age-related macular degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 years.
It is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.
Late AMD comes in two forms – ‘wet’ and ‘dry’.
The only treatment for the wet form of AMD currently available is a regular injection in the eye – costly, invasive and time-consuming.
In the mid-year appeal, we highlighted the incredible work being done by Associate Professor Guei-Sheung (Rick) Liu and his team.
They’re working tirelessly in the lab to develop a simple eye drop as a less invasive treatment for wet AMD, with the hope of making the need for repeated injections a thing of the past.
“Our non-invasive, eye drop-based gene therapy aims to make treatment safer, more convenient and easier to sustain, while reducing costs to the patient and healthcare system,” says Associate Professor Liu.
“It would not only significantly advance the clinical management of AMD, but also diabetic retinopathy and potentially many other eye diseases. It would also make treatment more accessible, enabling uptake in disadvantaged communities and developing nations.
“I’m very grateful to everyone in the community who was encouraged by our research to support CERA’s mid-year appeal. There are so many lives that could be touched by an innovation like this in AMD treatment, so to be at the forefront of this research is very exciting – for all of us.”
Colin and Pam with their daughters Leesa, Sharon and Kerry send their thanks for your support.
Thank you from Colin and Pam
Colin and Pam, a couple featured in our mid-year appeal, are both affected by AMD. Pam is one of those people living with AMD who get regular eye-injections.
She and her family were especially excited to hear about Associate Professor Liu’s work in this area, and they were all keen to pass on their personal thanks to everyone who donated to the mid-year appeal.
“I’m really pleased to hear that so many people have responded to the CERA mid-year appeal,” says Pam.
“It gives me a great feeling of optimism for the future knowing there are so many generous people out there in the community supporting the research being done by CERA.”
Pam and Colin are still able to live in their own home, thanks to their daughters’ help. Three of their daughters are showing early signs of AMD, although fortunately have no sight issues as yet.
“Thanks to everyone who donated to the CERA mid-year appeal,” says Sharon, one of Colin and Pam’s daughters. “It means a lot to the family to know that you responded so positively to mum and dad’s story.”
“I’ve done a lot of fundraising for CERA myself, most recently through the Lions Ride for Sight, so I’m right there alongside you, supporting the really ground-breaking research CERA is doing.”
No one should have to live knowing their future is literally unclear, with the fear of vision loss on the horizon. Thanks to your generous support we can give hope to those living with treatable forms of AMD, working towards less invasive procedures to curtail their vision loss.