2015 AGM Reflects on Success

Macular Disease Foundation Australia's Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 8 December 2015 at the Foundation's Sydney office. Chairman Elizabeth Carr spoke about the growth and success of the Foundation since its inception in 2001, to become a world leader in its field.

Elizabeth announced that in line with the Foundation’s Board Charter, Director Dr Jim Runciman was stepping down from the Board after 12 years service. Dr Runciman, a leading ophthalmologist with a special interest in retinal diseases, brought invaluable knowledge to his roles of Chairman of the Medical Committee and member of the Research Committee. The Foundation is delighted that Dr Runciman will continue to serve on the Foundation’s Medical Committee.

Patron Ita Buttrose reflected on her 10 years with the Foundation and the impact macular degeneration had had on her father and uncles. She praised the successes of the Foundation, including the huge increase in awareness of macular degeneration in the Australian public – from 47% in 2007 to 82% in 2015.

Ita thanked the Foundation’s volunteers for their ongoing and invaluable support and acknowledged that “we could simply not do all that we do without you”.

Finally, Foundation Chief Executive Officer Julie Heraghty thanked Ita Buttrose for one decade of outstanding service in her role as Patron, highlighting that the profile of such an iconic Australian had undoubtedly saved the sight of many Australians.

A copy of the 2014-2015 Annual Report can be downloaded by clicking here, alternatively a printed copy can be requested by contacting the Foundation on 1800 111 709.