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 retinal specialists 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.
Our Retinal Specialists
Macular degeneration care at Northern Eye Consultants is provided by our fellowship-trained retinal specialists:
Dr Xavier Fagan (MBBS FRANZCO, Practice Director) is a specialist ophthalmologist with subspecialty fellowship training in medical retina and ocular inflammatory disorders at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. He received the K G Howsam Medal for best performance in the FRANZCO fellowship examination across Australia and New Zealand. Dr Fagan holds public appointments at the Austin Hospital and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, where he is also a Clinical Lecturer with the University of Melbourne.
Dr Jonathan Goh (MBBS FRANZCO) is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist whose Masters of Surgery from the University of Melbourne was awarded for research in age-related macular degeneration. He sub-specialises in the management of medical retina diseases including AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. Dr Goh holds public consultant positions at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Austin Hospital, and Western Health.
Dr David Sousa (MBBS FRANZCO) is a vitreoretinal surgeon who completed fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery in Manchester (UK) and Melbourne. He holds a PhD and is currently involved in multiple research projects at the Centre for Eye Research Australia, including retinal imaging biomarkers and artificial intelligence applications in retinal disease. Dr Sousa provides both medical and surgical retinal care at Northern Eye Consultants.
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.
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.
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 with one of our retinal specialists. A referral from your GP or optometrist is required.