MDNZ has appointed a General Manager, Jeanine Gribbin, pictured with Dr Dianne Sharp. Jeanine has more than 10 years experience in the not-for-profit sector. She hopes to use her newly created position to raise awareness of eye health and help those affected by macular degeneration to get the best possible treatment available and access to services that will enhance their living.

I am very excited to have joined the MDNZ team. The dedication and passion of the people involved with MDNZ is made obvious by how much this fledgling organisation has already achieved. I look forward to building on the relationships already established by MDNZ, as well as capitalizing on the momentum created this far and continuing to develop sustainable partnerships for MDNZ.

I am passionate about increasing awareness of risk factors and reducing the number of people developing preventable eye disease. Behind the shocking statistic about vision loss and macular degeneration for older people in New Zealand, there are real people whose lives are often completely changed by what can be a devastating disease. I know that the MDNZ team can make a real difference, not only to the statistics, but to people's lives.

2012 is going to be an exciting year for MDNZ. We are planning education and awareness seminar series throughout the country, which will focus on education, risks and prevention of macular degeneration, as well as providing support for those with vision loss. We will also present sessions on the latest news in research and developments around treatments for macular degeneration.

We will keep you posted about when we will be in your town or city. If you would like to receive regular updates about what MDNZ is doing, please send your details to jeanine@mdnz.co.nz or phone me on 0800 622852. We love to hear from you!