SERVICING THE HUNTER REGION AND NORTHERN NSW
SightScore-AMD genetic testing available now at Newcastle Eye Centre.
Understand your risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) through simple saliva-based genetic testing.
Optometrists can refer patients directly to Newcastle Eye Centre for Dry AMD assessment, SightScore-AMD genetic testing and treatment planning.
Two Forms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Newcastle Eye Centre offers a comprehensive Dry AMD protocol. From genetic risk testing through to treatments for early, established, and later-stage disease.
Dry AMD Protocol
The Newcastle Eye Centre Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) protocol takes a personalised, evidence-informed approach. From early risk identification through to active treatment for those who qualify. Treatment suitability is determined by each patient’s diagnosis, disease stage, retinal findings, and individual circumstances.
SightScore-ADM
Genetic risk assessment via saliva-based testing.
Early Detection
Through retinal scanning
Monitoring
Individualised treatment plan based on your current situation.
2RT Laser Treatment
This treatment is used in selected patients with early dry macular degeneration.
MacuMira
Microcurrent Therapy for patients with early or established dry macular degeneration.
Eye-Light Therapy
By OphthalmoPro, for patients with early or established dry macular degeneration.
Syfovre Injections
For patients with later-stage dry macular degeneration.
EyeMax Mono
Lens replacement for patients with late stage dry macular degeneration.
Understanding AMD: Australia’s Leading Cause of Vision Loss
1 in 7
Australians over 50 affected.
1.5M
Australians living with AMD.
50s-60s
Typical onset age range.
AMD is an eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision. AMD causes gradual blurring or loss of central vision and typically begins developing in a person’s fifties or sixties. It is often symptom-free in the early stages, making routine eye exams essential for early detection.
Early signs can often be detected via clinical assessment and retinal scanning.
For Optometrists: Dry AMD Referrals
Newcastle Eye Centre is now offering a Dry AMD protocol that includes genetic testing, monitoring and treatment options for patients at different stages of dry macular degeneration.
Patients who may be suitable for referral include:
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Patients with a family history of AMD
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Patients in their fifties or sixties who may benefit from risk assessment
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Patients with early macular changes
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Patients with drusen or other early signs of dry AMD
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Patients with established dry AMD who may benefit from treatment assessment
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Patients with later-stage dry AMD who may be suitable for advanced treatment options
We aim is to identify at-risk patients earlier, monitor them according to their individual risk profile, and consider treatment options before significant vision loss occurs.
Care at every stage of Dry AMD
Dry AMD has historically had very limited treatment options. Newcastle Eye Centre now offers a comprehensive protocol. Some dry macular degeneration treatments may also help reduce the risk of progression to wet macular degeneration in selected patients.
Learn more about the options from genetic risk testing through to advanced therapies for every stage of the disease.
SightScore Genetic Testing
A saliva-based genetic test that assesses a person’s risk of developing macular degeneration and risk of more severe disease. Suitable for those with a family history of AMD or early signs detected during an eye examination. Results guide the intensity of monitoring and treatment. SightScore enables earlier intervention, with the goal of slowing disease progression before significant vision loss occurs.
2RT Laser
Available at Newcastle Eye Centre for approximately ten years, with evidence suggesting it may help slow disease progression in appropriately selected patients. 2RT is designed to target small deposits at the macula called drusen, which are associated with the development and progression of macular degeneration.
MacuMira Microcurrent Therapy
This treatment involves applying microcurrent stimulation to the retina, including the photoreceptors of the eye. The aim is to support retinal function and help slow the progression of dry macular degeneration in selected patients. MacuMira is generally considered for patients with early or established dry macular degeneration.
Initial: $2,000
4 Treatments over 2 wks
Maintenance: $600 per treatment / every 3 mnths
Eye-Light therapy by OphthalmoPro
Eye-Light uses light-based technology, including low level light therapy. In selected patients with dry macular degeneration, this therapy may be recommended as part of a broader treatment plan aimed at supporting retinal function and helping slow disease progression. Eye-Light therapy is generally considered for patients with early or established dry macular degeneration.
Initial: $2,000
8 treatments over 4 wks
Maintenance: $1,500 per 6-treatment course / every 6 mnths
Syfovre Injections
For patients with later-stage dry macular degeneration, another treatment option may be Syfovre. A complement inhibitor injected into the eye for more advanced stages of dry AMD, where previously very limited options existed. Suitability depends on diagnosis, disease stage and individual circumstances.
Pricing on enquiry · Selected patients only
EyeMax Mono
For patients with late stage dry macular degeneration, another treatment option may be EyeMax Mono. An extended macular vision (EMV) intraocular lens (IOL) specifically designed for patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and other macular conditions. It is implanted during cataract or lens-replacement surgery to improve functional vision.
Pricing on enquiry · Selected patients only
*Pricing and treatment frequency should be discussed directly with Newcastle Eye Centre. Pensioner and medicare rebates available for selected patients.