The Hon. Jillian Skinner AM reflects on her personal challenge of giving up driving at night, as new research highlights mental health impacts of driving cessation.
Former NSW Minister for Health and distinguished public figure, the Hon. Jillian Skinner AM, has opened up about the frightening moment she knew it was time to stop driving at night, shedding light on the emotional and practical challenges faced by those living with macular disease.
“I was driving my young granddaughter home from swimming lessons one winter evening, around 6:30 pm,” reflected Skinner, who has been living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for 13 years.
“It was dark, and I realised that if someone had run across the road in front of me, I wouldn’t have seen them until it was too late. That was the moment I lost my confidence in driving at night, I stopped because I didn’t want to put myself or others at risk.”
Skinner’s experience reflects a reality faced by many people living with Australia’s leading cause of vision loss. New research from Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA), in partnership with the University of New South Wales, reveals that a significant number of people with macular disease have had to stop driving due to vision loss.
The study, with results launched as part of Macula Month 2025, surveyed nearly 1,500 Australians living with macular disease and found that 35 percent of respondents have stopped driving. Among those who ceased driving, 67 percent attributed their decision to vision loss, while 18 percent followed their doctor’s recommendation to stop driving. Additionally, nine percent made the choice based on advice from family members.
Participants also reported feeling unsafe or a potential risk to others on the road, experiencing a loss of confidence behind the wheel, or even having been involved in an accident as factors that led to their decision to stop.
“I remember one of our survey respondents saying that it was like half the road had disappeared whilst they were driving, which is a very frightening situation to be in,” said Dr. Kathy Chapman, CEO of Macular Disease Foundation Australia.
“Macular disease compromises a person’s central vision, and if left untreated or if it is an untreatable kind of macular disease, it can significantly impair their ability to detect vehicles, pedestrians, or potential hazards. Macular disease can also make it challenging to judge distances, read road signs, or react to dangers, especially in low-light or highly reflective environments.”
For many, the consequences of ceasing to drive go beyond mobility; they also result in a loss of independence and social isolation. Skinner’s personal experience reflects these concerns.
“I do now feel less independent. After moving to a new address, I find it hard to access transport, most cabs and Uber drivers won’t tackle my steep driveway. I often rely on family members, but sometimes it’s just not feasible.”
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