Jane Prentice (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This week, 25 to 31 May, marks Macular Degeneration Awareness Week 2014. It is an opportunity to raise awareness and to work together to reduce the incidence and impact of macular degeneration. The macula is in the centre of the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, and is responsible for the central, straight-ahead vision. Early symptoms include slightly blurred vision, the need for more light for reading and difficulty recognising faces until very close to the person. Treatment options are dependent on the stage and the type of the disease. Current treatments aim to keep the best vision for as long as possible and in some cases may provide vision improvement, but there is presently no cure. Early detection is vital in saving sight.

Local Indooroopilly optometrist and constituent Dean Samarkovski promotes eye health, providing community services such as spectacles for veterans, government-funded spectacles and collecting donated glasses for Lions Club recycling. During Macular Degeneration Awareness Week, Dean's practice will have an information stand with details and free test cards on macular degeneration risks, prevention and treatment, as well as providing the public with access to an optometrist to answer any questions and concerns. I would like to thank Dean and his team for their community outreach. I encourage all Australians to maintain good eye health.