Ann Sudmalis MP, Member for Gilmore, is joining EyeQ optometrists from the South Coast to call for residents over the age of 50 to get their eyes tested this summer.
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The program Do You See What I See, supported by the Macular Disease Foundation of Australia, launched in Ulladulla on Thursday, November 2.
Merimbula optometrist Bayd Rosenbaum stressed the importance of regular eye checks.
“The main focus of the campaign is to let people know that around half the people that are diagnosed with eye conditions are unaware they have a problem,” he said. “Even though you feel like you might be seeing really well, it’s really important to get it checked.”
Around half the people diagnosed are unaware they have a problem.
- Bayd Rosenbaum
Rosenbaum has been an optometrist for nearly 20 years now, and said there are three main causes of vision loss.
“Macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease are the most common causes of blindness.”
Fifty-year-old South Coast resident Liz Rankin had parents who were both diagnosed with glaucoma, and has now found out that she also suffers from the condition.
“I was always aware of the need for regular eye-checks, but it fell off my priority list,” Ms Rankin said.
“If it hadn’t, I might not be in the situation I’m in now with loss of vision. I won’t be missing any eye checks in the future.”