We thank you for enabling us to continue our research to save sight
To those who meet him, Max George appears to be a regular, happy one year old. On first impression, many wouldn’t realise that Max is one of 450,000 Australians impacted by vision loss. Sadly, Max was born with a visual impairment in both eyes, something that came as a complete shock to his mum, Alanna.
Max had an electroretinogram (ERG) test last year, at six months old, to explain his vision impairment. The test was conducted at the Queensland Electro Diagnostic Imaging Centre (QEDIC), operated by the Queensland Eye Institute Foundation (QEIF). Max was diagnosed with a rare genetic mutation called Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA) which affects the retina and is present from birth. Having a diagnosis meant his parents could then take the next steps and have genetic testing done to see if Max had the type of LCA for which there is treatment.
Electroretinograms are used to diagnose and treat eye conditions, particularly retinal or optic nerve disorders. The testing is non-invasive which is key, especially when babies and children are involved. The tests mean early intervention, early diagnosis and possible treatment. This could be the life-changing difference between vision deterioration and the restoring of sight.
Medical research could one day bring back Max’s lost vision.
Read more about Max’s story here.
The Queensland Eye Institute Foundation (QEIF) is Queensland’s largest independent academic research institute devoted to eye-related health and diseases. With no government funding, The Queensland Eye Institute’s survival relies solely on the generosity of donors, businesses and the community. Donating today to The Queensland Eye Institute Foundation (QEIF) will Help Us Help Max and other children like him.
With your help, we can work towards new treatments and cures for eye disease. The donation you make today could help thousands of Australians, like Max, who are living with vision loss.
