Increasing awareness of macular degeneration in New Zealand is a key mission for MDNZ and is supported by the Professional Friends programme

Kicking off 2024, Macular Degeneration New Zealand’s (MDNZ’s) Professional Friends programme is returning, inviting optometrists and ophthalmologists to join the charity to support patients with macular degeneration and those at risk of developing the disease.

After a Covid-enforced hiatus, MDNZ is proud to again be offering this important programme, said Sarah Berman, MDNZ general manager. MDNZ recently completed a programme review, including a members’ survey, she said. “Raising awareness and supporting patients with macular degeneration is important to our members. They also told us they are keen to share with others that they support MDNZ’s work and rate the Professional Friends’ listing on the MDNZ website as very important.”

The Professional Friends programme is accessed through an annual individual or practice subscription with each professional friend being acknowledged on MDNZ’s website, in its newsletters and on social media. Professional friends can receive patient resources free of courier charges.

The programme allows MDNZ to provide support for members’ patients with macular degeneration through patient information resources, education seminars, regular Viewpoint newsletters, plus phone and email support, Berman said. “The subscription also enables MDNZ to raise awareness about macular degeneration to those most at risk and the wider community, with the aim of encouraging people to have regular eye health checks, seek help early and stay informed.”

The Professional Friends programme enables MDNZ to support patients and raise awareness of the disease. Credit: MDNZ

For these reasons, Kristine Jensen, one of the first optometrists to join the programme in May 2015, said she thoroughly recommends joining. “I also acquired new patients through my professional listing on the MDNZ website, so it’s helpful as a professional endorsement as well.”

Visit www.mdnz.org.nz/become-a-professional-friend, email info@mdnz.org.nz or ring 0800 622 852 for more information.