Dear participant,

Thank you for your interest in our project on genetic risk for glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Glaucoma and AMD are the two most common causes of blindness in Australia and genetics plays a strong role in both conditions.

We have developed the ability to generate a genetic risk score predicting a person’s likelihood of developing glaucoma and/or AMD. In a step to move toward implementing this genetic test, we wish to assess its ability to identify those who are at high risk of developing glaucoma and/or AMD. Participation would require collecting a blood or saliva sample from you. You may then be invited to undergo a detailed eye examination for glaucoma and/or AMD which would take place around 12 months of providing the genetic sample. Note that not all participants will be asked to undergo an eye examination.

 All genetic testing will be performed as part of the approved study titled “GRADE: Genetic Risk Assessment of Degenerative Eye Disease – A prospective assessment of polygenic risk scores to predict diagnosis of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration”.

Your participation is completely voluntary and your decision to participate will not affect your current or future health care in any way. If you have any questions regarding the study, please contact the research team on (08) 8404 2035 or gradestudy@flinders.edu.au.

If you would like to participate or be contacted with more information about this study, please complete the information below.