WARD PROMOTING EYE HEALTH THIS ‘WORLD SIGHT DAY’

Independent Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP said that this World Sight Day (tomorrow Thursday 13th October 2022) Vision 2020 Australia will be hosting free optometrist eye checks at NSW Parliament House.

Mr Ward said that it is the ideal opportunity for you to join us and spread the word about the importance of regular eye tests.

“As a Member of Parliament with legal blindness, I understand the importance of events like this to promote eye health which can prevent vision loss,” he said.

“An eye check only takes 15 minutes, and you can also pre-book an eye check for a time that suits your busy schedule.

“Optometrists will be based at NSW Parliament House’s Education Centre between 8am and 4pm.

“World Sight Day encourages everyone to #LoveYourEyes by taking a pledge to get your eyes tested as soon as possible. Eye tests act as the early warning system for a range of eye health issues that can cause blindness and vision impairment.

“Almost 500,000 Australians are blind or vision impaired and this will continue to grow with one in two people expected to require eye care services by 2050.

“The impact of vision loss on the community and the health system are large, costing the Australian economy $27 billion per year.

“Ninety per cent of blindness and vision loss is preventable or treatable if detected early enough, it’s critical that we all prioritise our eye health through regular eye tests.

“Promoting World Sight Day will spread awareness that prioritising our eye health can prevent vision loss.

“I would like to specifically acknowledge Lions International for their ongoing campaign of ‘Save Sight’ around the world, “ Mr Ward concluded.

You can also find out more at World Sight Day - Vision 2020 Australia.

How to get involved:

• Take a staff photo, and post on social media of you and your team wearing Heart Glasses
• Share an article in your organisations newsletter. We’ve prepared a draft article you can use as a template 
• Embed the #LoveYourEyes message in your emails with this custom signature block.
• Organise eye tests with influencers in your sphere, somewhere photogenic.
• Use and share the social media tiles in the lead up and on World Sight Day, using the hashtags: #LoveYourEyes and #WorldSightDayAU – and tag on Facebook @Vision2020Au 
• Encourage your staff and supporters to #TakeThePledge – learn how here
• Make an appointment today to have an eye test.