News

World Sight Day was celebrated by the Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) with small gifts for all clients attending the centre on the 14^th October and their referring eye-care practitioners.

Centre director Michael Kalloniatis says that the best way to save your sight is to get your eyes tested. This is particularly important for people over the age of 40.

“Currently, vision loss affects over 500,000 Australians, yet 75% of vision loss is preventable or treatable. The key is to have your eyes tested regularly to detect potential problems, especially if you have diabetes or a family history of eye disease,” he said.

A 2010 Access Economics report into the impact of vision loss in Australia, Clear Focus, found that over 400,000 Australians with vision loss could have their sight restored. The report estimates that the number of Australians with vision loss is projected to rise to around 801,000 by 2020 if these conditions are not addressed.

The report also outlines that the total economic cost of vision loss in Australia was estimated to be $16.6 billion in 2009. Early detection of eye disease will significantly reduce this cost and improve quality of life.

Kalloniatis said that while blindness and vision impairment may not be life threatening, the effects can be debilitating.

“People with vision loss are twice as likely to fall and be socially dependent, three times more likely to suffer from depression, and are admitted to nursing homes up to three years earlier than the rest of the population,” he concluded.

On World Sight Day 2010, the Centre for Eye Health encourages all Australians over the age of 40 to visit their optometrist or ophthalmologist, or speak to their doctor about their eyes.

For more information please call 1300 421 960.

Clear Focus: The Economic Impact of Vision Loss in Australia in 2009
An overview of the report prepared for Vision 2020 Australia by Access Economics Pty Limited (available on request)