AREDS2 Nutritional Supplements for AMD: Where are we in Australia in 2026?

AREDS2 Nutritional Supplements for AMD: Where are we in Australia in 2026?

Available from: 4/05/2026 (AEST)

Available from above date on OA online institute: https://lms.optometry.org.au/course/view.php?id=1007

Provider: Mivision

Contact: Nikki Byrne, [E] nikki@mivision.com.au, [P] 02 8336 8616

Activity Outline

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness and visual impairment in Australia and the western world. The Australian National Eye Health Survey conducted in 2016 found that 0.96% of non-indigenous Australians over 50 years of age have late-stage AMD, and 10.5% have intermediate-stage AMD.  More recently, the Australian Eye and Ear Health Survey (AEEHS), released in July 2025, found that AMD was the leading cause of bilateral blindness in Australia, and one of the leading causes of both unilateral and bilateral visual impairment. The prevalence of AMD increases significantly with age, and this is of particular concern given the ageing population in Australia. It is currently estimated that 1.9 million Australians have some form of AMD, and this is set to increase to 2.1 million by 2030. On a global scale, the prevalence of AMD is estimated to increase to 288 million by 2040.

Learning Objectives

• Be aware of the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in Australia and current treatments available,
• Be aware of the role antioxidant supplements play in slowing progression of AMD and GA,
• Realise the mechanism of action of AREDS and AREDS2 formulas, and
• Realise optometrists’ role in educating and recommending supplements to AMD patients

Max CPD hours awarded: 1.75

Session Information