Max is one of 450,000 Australians that suffer with vision loss. In order to diagnose his vision impairment, he had an electroretinogram (ERG) test last year at six months old. This was conducted at the Queensland Electro Diagnostic Imaging Centre (QEDIC) at the Queensland Eye Institute Foundation (QEIF), which is Queensland’s largest independent academic research institute devoted to eye-related health and disease.
As a result, Max was diagnosed with Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA), a rare genetic mutation 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. Early intervention means early diagnosis and possible treatment. This could be the life-changing difference between vision deterioration and the restoring of sight.
Unfortunately out of the whole of Queensland, there is just one ERG machine, here at the Queensland Eye Institute in Brisbane, that can diagnose babies, children and adults.
With the one ERG machine, it means only two patients can be seen each day. Each test takes between 3 to 3.5 hours which means just eight patients can be seen each week. Across the year only 384 patients can be tested and diagnosed.
Currently there is a two month waiting list which is a lifetime for a family member who could have a potential life threatening disease. At a cost of $150,000 per machine, we need your help to buy a new one today so we can halve the waiting time this year.
Donate Today To Save Sight Tomorrow.