Services
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Specialist diagnosis and management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Melbourne's northern suburbs, including anti-VEGF injection therapy and advanced retinal imaging.
Macular Degeneration Care in Melbourne's Northern Suburbs
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in Australians over the age of 50. Northern Eye Consultants provides specialist AMD assessment, monitoring, and treatment for patients across Melbourne's northern suburbs, including Bundoora, Epping, Greensborough, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Mill Park, Thomastown, Mernda, South Morang, and Whittlesea, from our consulting rooms at Northpark Hospital.
AMD affects the macula — the small, central region of the retina responsible for the sharp, detailed vision used for reading, recognising faces, and driving. Central vision becomes progressively blurred or distorted, while peripheral (side) vision is generally preserved. Early detection and treatment — particularly for the wet form of AMD — are critical to preserving as much vision as possible.
Our doctors use advanced imaging technology to detect and monitor AMD with precision, and offer the latest anti-VEGF injection therapies for wet AMD in a comfortable, clinic-based setting.
Diagnosis and Monitoring
Accurate diagnosis and regular monitoring are the foundation of AMD management. Our retinal team uses a range of advanced imaging modalities:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) — High-resolution cross-sectional imaging of the retinal layers — the standard of care for detecting and monitoring fluid in wet AMD and tracking atrophy in dry AMD.
- OCT Angiography (OCTA) — Non-invasive retinal vascular imaging without dye injection, allowing visualisation of abnormal blood vessel networks associated with wet AMD.
- Colour Fundus Photography — Baseline documentation of the optic disc and macula, used to track changes over time.
- Fluorescein Angiography — Intravenous dye imaging of the retinal circulation, used in selected cases to characterise the type and extent of neovascularisation.
Treatment
Wet AMD is treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, administered in our clinic under topical anaesthetic. Available agents include Eylea (aflibercept), Lucentis (ranibizumab), and Vabysmo (faricimab). Treatment is typically initiated with a loading phase of monthly injections, after which the interval is extended based on individual response. Early treatment gives the best outcomes — vision stabilises or improves in the majority of patients when therapy is started promptly.
Dry AMD has no specific medical treatment to reverse it, but AREDS2 antioxidant supplements have been shown to slow progression in intermediate and advanced disease. Lifestyle optimisation — including smoking cessation, blood pressure management, and a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin from green leafy vegetables — is recommended for all patients.
Patients at risk of AMD — those over 50 with a family history, or those with known early AMD — should monitor their central vision regularly using an Amsler grid. If straight lines appear wavy or distorted, or if a new grey patch appears in central vision, urgent review is needed.
For more information, visit our Medical Retina page or contact our rooms on 03 9466 8822. A referral from your GP or optometrist is required to access Medicare rebates.
Sudden change in vision? Seek urgent review.
If you notice sudden distortion of straight lines, a new grey patch in your central vision, or any sudden loss of vision, contact our rooms immediately on 03 9466 8822. Wet AMD can progress rapidly — early treatment gives the best chance of preserving vision.
Our Doctors That Treat Macular Degeneration
All of our ophthalmologists assess and manage macular degeneration. Dr Xavier Fagan, Dr Jonathan Goh, and Dr David Sousa additionally provide subspecialty depth in medical and surgical retinal care.
Dr Ross MacIntyre
BA (Chemistry), MD, FRANZCO
Corneal, Cataract & Refractive Surgery
General Ophthalmology
Dr MacIntyre is an internationally trained expert in the area of corneal, cataract and refractive surgery. Dr MacIntyre completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry with Honours at Colgate University in New York, and his Doctor of Medicine with Honours at New York Medical College. After a transitional internship at Columbia University he completed his registrar training in ophthalmology at Brown University. He subsequently undertook subspecialty fellowship training in cornea, complex cataract, and refractive surgery at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. He pursued further training as a cornea fellow at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne. During his training he has published articles in the medical literature and presented at both international and local scientific meetings. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honour Medical Society in the United States, and a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Dr MacIntyre is a staff specialist at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, where he trains registrars and fellows, and provides public health care. He specialises in medical disease of the cornea and corneal transplant surgery.
Qualifications
- —BA (Chemistry)
- —MD
- —Diplomate American Board of Ophthalmology
- —FRANZCO
Fellowships
- —Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University
- —Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Professional Memberships
- —Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO)
- —American Academy of Ophthalmology
- —American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- —European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- —Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia
- —Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honour Society (AOA)
Public Appointments
- —Staff Specialist, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Dr Xavier Fagan
MBBS FRANZCO
Medical Retina & Ocular Inflammatory Disorders
General Ophthalmology
Dr Fagan is a Melbourne based ophthalmologist. He completed his undergraduate medical degree with honours at The University of Melbourne in 2004. Resident medical years were spent at St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital. Dr Fagan commenced his ophthalmology registrar training at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in 2007 and finished in 2011. This provided comprehensive medical and surgical ophthalmology training. He achieved success in the final examinations by receiving the K G Howsam medal for best performing doctor in Australia and New Zealand. He subsequently undertook 18 months of fellowship training in medical retina and ocular inflammatory disorders at the same institution. As part of this fellowship he has published articles in the medical literature and presented at international and local scientific meetings. As a consultant ophthalmologist, Dr Fagan has a public hospital appointment at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. This involves providing public health care and he is actively involved in training of future colleagues. He has an appointment as a clinical lecturer with The University of Melbourne in the faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
Qualifications
- —MBBS (Hons)
- —FRANZCO
Awards
- —K G Howsam Medal — Best Performing Ophthalmology Candidate in Australia and New Zealand
Academic
- —Clinical Lecturer, University of Melbourne
Public Appointments
- —Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Dr Bernardo Soares
MBBS FRANZCO
Medical & Surgical Glaucoma
General Ophthalmology
Dr Bernardo Soares is an experienced Melbourne Eye Surgeon who specialises in Cataract and Glaucoma Surgeries. Holding public positions at the Glaucoma Unit at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and at Monash Health. He is passionate about complex glaucoma and cataract surgery, ophthalmic teaching and surgical training of future colleagues as well as glaucoma collaborative care. Dr Soares has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and constantly presents his work at local and international conferences. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology, The International Council of Ophthalmology and the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology.
Qualifications
- —MBBS
- —FRANZCO
- —Fellow, International Council of Ophthalmology
- —Fellow, Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology
Public Appointments
- —Glaucoma Unit, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
- —Monash Health
Dr Jonathan Goh
MBBS FRANZCO
Medical Retina
General Ophthalmology
Dr Jonathan Goh is a fellowship trained comprehensive ophthalmologist who sub-specialises in the management of medical retina diseases (diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions) whilst also managing general ophthalmic conditions (cataracts, pterygia, chalazia and glaucoma). Dr Goh obtained his medical degree (MBBS, BMedSci), Postgraduate Diploma of Surgical Anatomy (PGDipSurgAnat) and Masters of Surgery (MS) from the University of Melbourne. His Masters of Surgery was awarded for his research in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). He completed his ophthalmology training at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital with further subspecialty training in medical retina diseases. Dr Goh has published and presented his findings nationally and internationally in age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and dry-eye disease. Publicly, he works as a consultant ophthalmologist at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Austin Hospital and Western Health. Dr Goh has a passion for teaching and is actively involved in teaching junior medical staff and is currently the registrar Medical Retina term supervisor at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. He has previously held the Registrar of the Court (2020) position for organising the final ophthalmology examinations that trainees undertake before they are granted their ophthalmology fellowship and recognised as medical specialists.
Qualifications
- —MBBS
- —BMedSci
- —PGDipSurgAnat
- —MS (Surgery)
- —FRANZCO
Academic
- —Masters of Surgery awarded for research in age-related macular degeneration
- —Medical Retina Supervisor, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Public Appointments
- —Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
- —Austin Hospital
- —Western Health
Dr David Sousa
MBBS FRANZCO
Vitreoretinal Surgery
Dr David Sousa graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon in 2013. He completed his Ophthalmology specialty training in Portugal, followed by Vitreoretinal fellowships in Manchester, United Kingdom and Melbourne, Australia. Dr Sousa currently works as a Vitreoretinal Surgeon in Melbourne at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, and in Geelong at the University Hospital and St John of God Hospital. Dr Sousa specialises in the treatment of vitreoretinal conditions including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, and complex lens surgery. Dr Sousa obtained his PhD in 2021 and is currently involved in multiple research projects at Centre for Eye Research Australia, including retinal imaging biomarkers, artificial intelligence, neuroprotection and development of novel surgical devices.
Qualifications
- —MBBS
- —FRANZCO
- —PhD (Centre for Eye Research Australia)
Research
- —Multiple peer-reviewed publications in retinal imaging, artificial intelligence and neuroprotection
- —Regular speaker at international conferences
Public Appointments
- —Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
- —University Hospital Geelong
Dr Rogan Fraser
FRANZCO
Neuro-Ophthalmology
General Ophthalmology
Dr Rogan Fraser practices comprehensive, general ophthalmology with an interest in neuro-ophthalmology. He graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Doctor of Medicine in 2015 where he was on the Dean's Honours list. Prior to that, he practised as an optometrist in regional Victoria for a number of years, which is where his passion for personalised compassionate and full scope eyecare was developed and honed. Dr Fraser undertook his ophthalmology training through the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, and in his final year was appointed the Chief Registrar. He currently works as a consultant in the Neuro-ophthalmology unit at the Eye and Ear, as well as in that hospital's emergency department. In this capacity he supervises and teaches both ophthalmology and neurology trainees. He is a visiting lecturer for Monash and Deakin universities, and has been a faculty member of surgical, and neuro-ophthalmology conferences throughout Australia. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, and a member of both the Neuro-Ophthalmology Society of Australia, and the UK Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.
Qualifications
- —FRANZCO
Academic
- —Visiting Lecturer, Monash University
- —Visiting Lecturer, Deakin University
Professional Memberships
- —Neuro-Ophthalmology Society of Australia
- —UK Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
Public Appointments
- —Neuro-ophthalmology Unit, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
- —Emergency Department, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the treatment for wet macular degeneration in Melbourne?
The main treatment for wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration is intravitreal anti-VEGF injection therapy. Medications including Eylea, Lucentis, and Vabysmo are injected directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye under topical anaesthetic, suppressing abnormal blood vessel growth and reducing fluid accumulation beneath the macula. When started promptly, the majority of patients experience stabilisation of vision and many see meaningful improvement. Treatment is typically required on a regular basis — initially monthly, then at intervals determined by your response.
Is there a treatment for dry macular degeneration?
There is currently no established medical treatment that reverses dry AMD or restores vision already lost to it. However, large clinical trials (the AREDS and AREDS2 studies) have demonstrated that high-dose antioxidant vitamin supplements in the AREDS2 formula significantly slow progression in patients with intermediate or advanced dry AMD. Lifestyle measures — quitting smoking, managing blood pressure, and eating a diet rich in leafy green vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids — are also recommended. Regular monitoring is important to detect conversion to wet AMD early.
How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
Macular degeneration is diagnosed using a combination of clinical examination and retinal imaging. At Northern Eye Consultants, assessment includes high-resolution Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to visualise the retinal layers in detail, OCT Angiography to map retinal blood vessels without dye injection, colour fundus photography for baseline documentation, and fluorescein angiography in selected cases. These tools allow our retinal specialists to detect AMD at an early stage, monitor progression, and guide treatment decisions.
How often do I need injections for macular degeneration?
The frequency of anti-VEGF injections varies between patients and over time. Most patients begin with a loading phase of monthly injections, after which the interval is extended based on how the eye responds to treatment — typically every six to twelve weeks. Some patients can be maintained on a treat-and-extend or pro re nata (as-needed) protocol with less frequent visits. Your retinal specialist will tailor the treatment schedule to your individual needs and monitor your response at each visit.
Concerned About Your Macular Health?
Contact Northern Eye Consultants to arrange a consultation. A referral from your GP or optometrist is required.