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Research to Reality: From diagnosis to a personalised approach to Macular Disease Care

Date: 20/05/2026 ()

Venue: Online, AUSTRALIA

Provider: Macular Disease Foundation Australia - Health Professional Education and Training

Registration: https://lms.optometry.org.au/course/view.php?id=1008

Activity Outline

Advances in macular disease research are reshaping how we understand disease progression, risk, and treatment response — paving the way for more personalised approaches to care.

In this webinar, Professor Erica Fletcher, a leading researcher in retinal disease and age‑related macular degeneration (AMD), will explore emerging concepts in macular disease research and their potential relevance to clinical practice. Drawing on her extensive research experience and MDFA‑funded work, Professor Fletcher will discuss how variations in retinal biology, immune cell function, and waste clearance may help explain why AMD progresses differently between individuals.

The session will focus on bridging the gap between laboratory research and future clinical application, highlighting how personalised medicine aims to move beyond one‑size‑fits‑all models of care. Participants will gain insight into how this evolving research may inform earlier risk identification, refine prognostic conversations, and ultimately support more tailored, person‑centred care for people living with macular disease.

This webinar is designed to support clinicians and health professionals to better understand the concepts underlying personalised medicine and consider how research developments today may shape macular disease management in the future. 

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss reticular pseudodrusen, how to detect them, and their impact on disease progression.
  • Discuss current understanding of early AMD pathogenesis: the role of immune cells called microglia in development and how they may be targeted for new therapies
  • Discuss implications of personalised macular disease research for future care: including prognosis, treatment development, and more person-centred planning

Max CPD hours awarded: 1

Session Information

Name
Research to reality: from diagnosis to a personalised approach to macular disease care
Clinical?
Yes
Interactive?
No
Therapeutic?
Yes
Duration of CPD Session/Module
1
Duration of CPD Session/Module inclusive of Assessment Component
1

Acknowledgement of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation Optometry Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.