This CPD-accredited webinar, hosted by Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) focusses on essential strategies for health professionals treating macular disease in patients with dementia.
It is estimated 1.5 million people are living with some signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in Australia. There are close to 400,000 Australians living with dementia. As age is a significant risk factor for both conditions, eye health professionals are likely to encounter people managing cognitive decline or dementia and AMD in clinical practice.
During this webinar, clinicians will learn about dementia and the differences between dementia types and how it impacts people living with macular disease.
The webinar will also feature a carer with lived experience of caring for someone with both macular disease and dementia, who will speak about the challenges navigating the health system.
The webinar will equip eye health professionals with strategies to manage macular disease patients living with dementia.
- When: Tuesday, 25 February 2025 at 6.30pm (AEDT)
- Free registration online
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants should be able to:
- Understand what dementia is and the differences between dementia types,
- Describe potential impacts of dementia upon macular disease care,
- Understand the impact of sight loss upon people living with dementia and their carers, and
- Acquire some helpful strategies to support eyecare for people living with dementia and macular disease.
The webinar will equip eye health professionals with strategies to manage macular disease patients living with dementia.
About the Presenters
Dr Marianne Coleman
Dr Marianne Coleman is an early career researcher and orthoptist. Dr Coleman worked in the UK National Health Service and later trained in clinical research. She moved to the University of Melbourne in 2020 to work as a Clinical Vision Research Fellow, between the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, and the Australian College of Optometry’s National Vision Research Institute. Dr Coleman now works at the National Centre for Healthy Ageing, a collaboration between Monash University and Peninsula Health. Her pioneering dementia research has been funded by the UK Royal Society of Medicine, Fight for Sight (the UK’s leading sight loss research charity), and the Dementia Australia Research Foundation. Her research has been guided at each stage by people living with dementia and carers.
Evelyn Doak
Evelyn Doak is a dedicated professional with an extensive career in TAFE education, specialising in Business Studies, Information Technology, and Workplace Health and Safety (WHS). She has a Graduate Certificate in WHS and has been a passionate advocate for promoting safe and efficient workplace practices. Her expertise extends to the community sector as a Dementia Australia advocate, where she has contributed significantly to raising awareness and supporting those impacted by dementia. Ms Doak is a passionate advocate for quality nursing home care and is a strong believer in person centred care. She will not accept situations where people with dementia are left without stimulation, activity, and connection with other people. Her career exemplifies a strong commitment to education, advocacy, and community engagement, underpinned by her dedication to making a positive impact in every sphere of her work.
Registration
This MDFA CPD webinar is free and accredited for one CPD hour. To register, visit: mdfoundation-au.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ntGZ8gzuTNWK_JF7J1oa5A#/registration
