GHLF Australia (Global Healthy Living Foundation) recently released new resources to help empower thyroid eye disease patients to manage their condition holistically.
Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a rare autoimmune condition that causes eye bulging and double vision. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of lifelong pain, decreased quality of life, permanent disfigurement, and vision loss.
Although TED is a physical condition, the discomfort and stigma associated with its symptoms significantly impact mental health. GHLF Australia believes it is important to raise awareness of rare diseases like TED, as they often go under the radar.
Inform, Support, Empower
Until now, there has been little reliable information written specifically for people living with TED. GHLF Australia’s TED Education and Advocacy Hub is designed to inform, support, and empower this community and those who care for them.
“People living with TED are dealing with more than just an eye disease, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to the visible and often stigmatised nature of the disease,” said Naomi Creek, the GHLF Australia National Coordinator. “However, many aren’t aware of the range of evidence-based treatments and holistic strategies available to help them manage all aspects of their condition.”
“We’ve created our TED Education and Advocacy Hub as a go-to resource, filled with disease information and expert advice to help people live well with this condition,” said Ms Creek. “Our aim is to empower patients to discuss their condition openly with their healthcare team, so they can share decisions about their treatment and management strategies.”
The hub includes insights and resources for living well with TED, such as:
- Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis,
- Current treatment options,
- Guidance on building a health professional team,
- Advice on self-management and mental health,
- Strategies for seeking support from others, and
- Tips for advocating for access to new treatments in Australia.
We’ve created our TED Education and Advocacy Hub as a go-to resource, filled with disease information and expert advice to help people live well with this condition
Help Share the Resource
GHLF Australia is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2015. Part of the US-based GHLF non-profit organisation, its mission is to improve quality of life for people with chronic illness. GHLF Australia is urging eye care professionals to help patients find reliable resources and support for their conditions by sharing the link to its TED Education and Advocacy Hub.
Posters and flyers about the hub are also available to display in your waiting room. Contact: info@ghlf.org.au. For more information visit: ghlf.org.au or creakyjoints.org.au.
