Media release: June 28, 2012
Expert Joins Campaign to Educate on Macular Degeneration
A top Auckland ophthalmologist is joining forces with Macular Degeneration New Zealand to raise awareness of one of the
leading causes of blindness in this country.
Dr Archie McGeorge an ophthalmic clinician and surgeon at Auckland Eye is presenting three seminars in July and August
on macular degeneration, a condition which affects 1 in 7 New Zealanders over the age of 50.
The seminars are part of the Macular Degeneration New Zealand campaign to bring awareness to the causes and treatments
of age-related macular degeneration.
Dr McGeorge says macular degeneration (MD) is currently four times more common than dementia, and occurs when the macula
or central part of the retina degenerates due to ageing - which can result in total blindness.
The presentations are part of a national seminar series specifically aimed at people who already have knowledge of MD,
either because they live with the condition or have a family member, friend or colleague who suffers from it, he says.
"Current research is one of the areas that is always of great interest to those with MD or those at risk, such as people
over 50, smokers and those with family history. This is why the seminar series was piloted and is now being taken
nationwide," says Dr McGeorge.
The seminars also provide attendees with easily understood, up-to-date information on current international research
into MD, says Dr McGeorge.
Macular degeneration is more likely to cause vision problems in those aged over 50 than cataracts or glaucoma, which are
more well-known. However, Dr McGeorge says that the condition can be easily screened for through a visit to a local
optometrist.
Dr McGeorge North Shore Seminars
Orewa Community Centre, Orewa, July 6, 12.30pm
Albany Community Hall, Albany, July 27, 12.30pm
Mahurangi Community Centre, Snells Beach, August 10, 12.30pm.
For more information go to http://www.seeourvision.org.nz/
ENDS
Notes to Editors
*In 2009, 48% of blind New Zealanders over the age of 50 had macular degeneration, in comparison to 11% from cataracts
and 16% from glaucoma
Dr Archie McGeorge PHD, FRANZCO
Archie is an ophthalmic clinician and surgeon with over 15 years experience treating diseases of the retina and
refractive cataract correction. Archie obtained medical (MBChB) and research (PhD in Neuroanatomy) degrees in Auckland
before training in ophthalmology in Auckland and Waikato hospitals. He then completed sub-specialty fellowships in
diseases of the Retina and Vitreous at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics that consistently ranks in the top
ten ophthalmology training programs in the US.
He has tutored full-time at Auckland Hospital in 1995 and 1996 before commencing private practice at Auckland Eye, where
he provides assessments at Remuera, Takapuna, Albany and Red Beach. Archie is a member of the Royal Australian and New
Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, the Oceania Retinal Association, the Retinal Specialists Association. He also
regularly provides continuing education for optometrists and GP's.
Facts about Macular Degeneration
• The macula is a name for the central part of the retina. You need the retina to be able to see.
• Macular degeneration is a condition of advancing years when the macula starts to fail
• It is estimated 170,000 NZers over 50 are affected by some form of macular degeneration, 33,400 have late stage
MD and 7000 are legally blind. The incidence is expected to increase by 70% by 2030.
• From the age of 50, people should start getting regular eye checks - how often you have to go back will depend
on individual eye health
• Some of the symptoms of macular degeneration include: complaining that the print in the newspaper is getting
smaller or that the phone book is more difficult to read (even with reading glasses on), the lines on the Venetian
blinds or doors appear distorted, a hole in the middle of the vision, for example, you can see a car but not the license
plate or you're not sure if the car is a hatchback or salon
• In 2009, 48% of blind New Zealanders over the age of 50 had macular degeneration, in comparison to 11% from
cataracts and 16% from glaucoma
• Macular degeneration is four times as common as dementia and half as common as diabetes