Macular Degeneration Foundation

The Macular Degeneration Foundation describes itself as "a 'patient driven' organisation" which "aims to reduce the incidence and impact of Macular Degeneration in Australia." 

According to Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC) records the Macular Degeneration Foundation name was reserved for use for a new Australian company in March 2001. In early May 2001 the company name was registered and the constitution submitted to ASIC.

One of the highest profile activities of MDF is the annual Macular Degeneration Awareness Week in early June.

Funding
According to their financial report in 2005 their Total revenues from operating activities were AU$1,054,141 (of this they raised AU$774,495 from donations and fundraising and AU$262,400 from government grants). 

In the Chairman's report for the year to the end of June 2005, Leslie Lofthouse noted that "additional significant financial contributors will be coming on board this year including Pfizer, Alcon, The Federal Government, Australian Optometry Association and Humanware." 

Personnel

 * Ita Buttrose, Patron

Board Members

 * Leslie Lofthouse, Chairman
 * Paul Beaumont
 * Barry Clarke
 * Dr Jim Runciman
 * Dr Peter Herse
 * Peter Reid
 * John McCarroll
 * Ashley Chapman
 * Paul Rogan
 * Peter Brown
 * Suellen Tapsall

Staff

 * Julie Heraghty, CEO
 * Mary Martin, PR Director,

Funders

 * Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
 * Alcon
 * Allergan
 * Blackmores
 * Bluedesk
 * Ernst & Young
 * Humanware
 * Macquarie Bank Foundation
 * Novartis Opthalmics
 * NSW Health
 * Optometrists Association Australia
 * Pfizer
 * Profield Foundation
 * Quantum Technology

Contact Details
MD Foundation Suite 302, 447 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000 Help line: 1800 111 709 Tel: 02 9261 8900 Fax: 02 9261 8912 Email: info AT mdfoundation.com.au Web: http://www.mdfoundation.com.au

Publications

 * 2004 / 2005 Financial Report (Pdf)

Other SourceWatch Resources

 * Centre for Eye Research Australia
 * Patient Groups
 * Patient Groups/Australia
 * Avastin
 * Lucentis
 * Visudyne