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Placing the spotlight on eye health
29 September 2008
World Retina Day – Saturday 27 September
Hunter New England Health recently helped raise awareness of World Retina Day, an international event which places a spotlight on the need to prevent and cure diseases of the retina that lead to vision loss and blindness.
Age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome are among the many degenerative eye diseases that cause debilitating vision loss and for which there are currently no cures.
World Retina Day draws attention to the existence of these causes of vision loss and blindness, as well as the need for vision research and the hope it brings to millions of people.
Guyra Health Service Manager Tessa Capsanis said vision loss and blindness deserved a high profile as it affected a significant portion of the population.
“We live in a world that demands vision - we drive cars, we read books, we watch television... the onset of vision loss can turn your world upside down,” Ms Capsanis said.
“Blindness is one of the most feared of all human disabilities. The physical, emotional, social and economic costs of this major health problem are staggering.
“Some conditions have very few symptoms and can begin without a person noticing that anything is wrong with their vision.
“Checks are especially important if there is a family history of eye problems. As children are unaware of a defect in their vision, routine examinations are important at an early age.”
For more information phone Retina Australia on 1800 999 870, or visit the website: www.retinaaustralia.com.au
Contact: Carisa Josephs
Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183
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