​The eyes took centre stage on the ABC's health report this week. 

​Listen here
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/preventing-eye-injuries/13347264

No one starts their day planning for an eye injury. Up to 90% of workplace eye injuries can be prevented by wearing appropriate eye protection. Dangerous activities include gardening, especially with powered tools, nail guns, metal/wood work, sudden release of bungee/shock cord, squash and racquet sports, cleaning with chemicals especially overhead.

Recovery from these injuries can be a long, slow process and can have lifelong effects on both vision, employment and wellbeing. Please ensure that you wear protective eyewear now matter how small a job at work or at home. With basic safety glasses costing less than a cup of coffee, there's really nor reason not to wear them. Your optometrist can advise you on the best option to protect your vision and can arrange comfortable prescription certified glasses for optimal vision. 

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Safe driving really does start with safe vision. Reduce your crash risk by following three simple steps:

1) Check your vision regularly
A regular eye examination allows us to monitor any changes in your vision and eye health. While vision can be corrected with prescription eyewear, common eye conditions like cataract, glaucoma or macular degeneration can also play a role. Early detection is key to preventing avoidable vision loss.

2) Protect your eyes from glare
A high quality anti-reflective(AR) coating reduces glare, light streaking and distortion from oncoming headlights, which is especially important in low-light conditions such as night-time driving. An AR coating will give you clearer, and more comfortable vision while driving.

3) Wear your glasses on the road
Recent research shows that many Australians are getting behind the wheel without their corrective eyewear, endangering themselves and others. Wearing your glasses as prescribed improves your depth perception and vision clarity, so that you can make safer decisions on the road.

Noticed changes in your vision?

Talk to us about the options and technologies available to help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel.

May is Macula Month and the perfect time to learn if you’re at risk of macular disease. 

Did you know that macular disease is the leading cause of legal blindness in Australia? The most common macular disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD destroys central vision, making it difficult to recognise faces, read or drive a car. 

One in seven people over the age of 50 have signs of this sight-threatening disease but may not know it. If you have diabetes, you’re also at risk of diabetic eye disease, which is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age Australians. 

Are you at risk?

You can learn more about your specific risk factors by taking Macular Disease Foundation Australia’s online quiz: