26 September, 2012
Get Your Eyes Tested For World Sight Day 2012
Senator Mitch Fifield today visited his local optometrist to have his eyes tested to raise awareness for upcoming World Sight Day on Thursday 11 October.
Senator Fifield has been appointed a 2012 World Sight Day Champion by Vision 2020 Australia. World Sight Day is a timely reminder of precautions we can take to protect and save our sight.
“We are all busy and we certainly take our sight for granted and forget that an eye test is something that we should be doing regularly,” Senator Fifield said.
“Today I had my eyes tested at Optical Oasis in Mentone by Dr Ewan Stillwell and learnt I have close to 20/20 vision. Whilst pleased to learn I still have good vision, I recognise the need to look after the health of my eyes and encourage all Australians to regularly get their eyes tested.”
In Australia today, 75 per cent of vision impairment is preventable or treatable. The most important thing that everyone can do to help protect their vision is regularly get their eyes tested. An Optometrist or Ophthalmologist can do a basic eye test. With no need for a doctor’s referral, Australians can have their eyes tested under Medicare.
More than half a million Australians aged over 40 live with vision loss, a number expected to reach 800,000 by 2024 unless people are proactive about saving their sight.
World Sight Day is a global initiative providing an opportunity to raise the profile of the causes of blindness and vision impairment and the preventative measures. It takes place on the second Thursday in October every year.
To find out more information about World Sight Day, visit www.worldsightday.org.au.