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Australians can clearly see a future with the Blackmores Dr Paul Beaumont Fellowship into eye health nutrition

29 May 2012

Macular Degeneration (MD) is the leading cause of blindness and major vision loss in Australia. The disease affects one in seven Australians over 50 in some way and is responsible for 50% of all blindness; more than glaucoma and cataracts combined. Over 1 million Australians show some evidence of this disease and this number set to rise to 1.7million in 20 years in the absence of effective prevention and treatment measures.

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To combat this devastating disease that is taking away the sight of so many Australians and to find effective prevention measures; the Macular Degeneration Foundation (MDF) has committed to major research over the next 5 years. This includes research investigating the link between dietary patterns and MD.

In recognition of the Foundation's Founding Director, Dr Paul Beaumont, the Blackmores Dr Paul Beaumont Research Fellowship is being offered. This important research grant, co-funded by Blackmores, will aim to provide new insights into the role of nutrition in slowing MD’s prevalence.

Last year’s winner was Dr Liubov Robman, a Senior Researcher for Eye Research Australia, is investigating the link between AMD risk, broad dietary patterns, lifestyle habits and genetic predisposition. Dr Robman has worked for over 15 years in AMD research, specifically investigating the risk factors for AMD and its progression, and has played key roles in a number of randomised controlled trials on AMD.

“I was honoured to receive the Blackmores Dr Paul Beaumont Research Fellowship, allow Dr Robman said. “Blackmores and the Macular Degeneration Foundation gave me a great opportunity to further investigate the role of dietary patterns in the development of age-related macular degeneration.”

“It is my hope that our research will allow us to develop more personalised nutritional advice to help alter the course of age-related macular degeneration.”

The Blackmores Dr Paul Beaumont Research Fellowship for 2013 is now open to researchers based in eligible Australian institutions to pursue research into nutritional and/or lifestyle aspects of Macular Degeneration. The scholarship will pay $50,000 per annum for two years and the closing date for applications is the 22nd June 2012. The successful applicant will be announced on World Sight Day - 11 October 2012.

For further information you can visit the MDF website at: http://www.mdfoundation.com.au/research/researchgrants/fellowship.aspx

Amy Down | Senior Public Relations Manager
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