Championing the eye health of the South West community, the team at Eyes @ Australind are calling on locals to look after their macular and have their eyes tested this May.
Eyes @ Australind optometrist Helen Binckes said many people within the community were at risk of developing macular disease but didn’t know it.
“Those over 50 are at higher risk of age-related macular degeneration, and everyone with diabetes is at risk of developing vision loss from retinopathy,” she said.
“It’s essential to have a regular eye test including a macula check, as you can have the early stages of the disease without knowing.
“If you’re at risk, Macula Month is the perfect time to have your eyes tested by an optometrist.”
Macular disease is the leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss in Australia, it includes age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, along with other less common diseases of the macula.
To spread awareness for the disease, Eyes @ Australind will be holding two awareness days on May 9 and May 28, where patients will be able to book a free retinal scan valued at $85 with their eye exam.
Macula Month is an initiative of Macular Disease Foundation Australia and runs for the month of May.
It is an annual campaign designed to raise awareness of macular disease, which includes age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, along with other less common diseases of the macula.
Macular Disease Foundation Australia chief executive officer Dee Hopkins said in addition to having your eyes tested, she wanted the community to learn more about macular disease.
“Knowledge is definitely power in the defence against macular disease, so it’s imperative Australians learn what they can do to minimise their risk,” she said.
“This can be as simple as eating an eye friendly diet and modifying or managing lifestyle choices.
“Macular Disease Foundation Australia is committed to supporting the community through offering expert health information and advice through our free publications and via our toll-free Helpline.”
Optometry Australia chief executive officer Lyn Brodie said optometry was at the front line of eye care in Australia.
“With the prevalence of macular disease expected to rise we fully support Macular Disease Foundation Australia’s efforts in raising awareness during Macula Month,” she said.
For more information contact 1800 111 709.
