Three-quarters of vision impairment in Australia is preventable

The Eye Surgeons’ Foundation launches its annual community awareness JulEYE Campaign to raise awareness for eye health – 1-31 July 2016

Vision impairment for 75 per cent of Australians is preventable, says Lee Pepper. This is why Vision Excellence is supporting The Eye Surgeons’ Foundation’s annual ‘JulEYE’ awareness campaign, encouraging residents of The Hills District to undergo a regular eye examination.

The Eye Surgeons’ Foundation (formerly known as The RANZCO Eye Foundation) is a national not-for-profit organisation that dedicates the month of July to encouraging Australians to have regular eye examinations. The organisation raises funds for much needed medical research and treatments to change the way Australians see the world.

The Eye Surgeons’ Foundation CEO, Jacinta Spurrett explains, “To create a future where no-one is blind we must continue to support world-class research and invest in the future of eye health by working with visionaries in their field – the eye surgeons, researchers and the academics.”

Eye health is not something most people think about until something goes wrong but once vision is lost it cannot be restored. Eye disease does not discriminate, occurring in babies, children, teenagers and adults alike. The main eye diseases that cause vision loss are glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. Regular eye examinations are the most effective way of detecting changes and identifying problems early but through research we can also find cures.

Optometry Australia CEO, Genevieve Quilty is urging people to visit their local optometrist during JulEYE. “Regular eye examinations are key for early detection and funding towards eye research and new treatments will make a difference for all Australians. Optometry Australia is a keen supporter of JulEYE,” said Ms Quilty.

“JulEYE is about Australians thinking about and looking after their sight. It’s as simple as making an appointment and as serious as saving their sight. As a community we also have the power to save the sight of others – now and into the future. Help us create a future where no-one is blind,” urges Jacinta Spurrett.

To find out more visit www.juleye.com.au

About The Eye Surgeons’ Foundation

The Eye Surgeons’ Foundation is the medical eye specialists’ foundation, dedicated to restoring sight and preventing vision loss throughout Australasia. The Eye Surgeons’ Foundation is a not-for-profit eye health organisation which represents more than 900 Australian and New Zealand ophthalmologists who are passionate about giving future generations the best vision possible. www.eyesurgeonsfoundation.org.au

About Optometry Australia

Optometry Australia is the peak professional body for optometrists. Representing around 90% of all Australian-based optometrists, Optometry Australia’s focus is to lead and advance the profession of optometry by putting eye-health front and centre of Australian health care.

For more information on optometry services in Australia visit www.optometry.org.au