Eye health professionals around Australia can expect an influx of customers requesting eye health checks when RANZCO Eye Foundation kicks off its 2012 JulEYE campaign.
This year’s campaign will ask Australians to stop taking their eyesight for granted and make an appointment to have their eyes tested during the month of July. Additionally, they will be encouraged to add eye tests to their family’s calendar of regular check-ups – much as they would go to the dentist or GP for a general check-up.
The JulEYE campaign will be supported through print, radio, television and social media. It will target the public with messages on general eye health, diabetes related vision issues, eye safety in the home and eye protection in sport.
Ophthalmic practices will receive media packs with weekly themed media releases and Black Spot posters for display in practices. Additionally, they are being asked to support the campaign by purchasing and wearing JulEYE shirts throughout the month of July. The shirts feature an eye chart design with the message ‘See your eye doctor this Juleye’.
Ophthalmic practices will receive media packs with weekly media releases and Black Spot posters for display in practices…
A Major Issue
According to the Eye Foundation, despite the fact that 75 per cent of vision loss is preventable or treatable, the majority of Australians continue to fail to have their eyes tested regularly.
“Blindness and vision loss is a major – and often overlooked – health problem in Australia. More than 200,000 Australians are currently suffering from vision loss related to eye disease and every year a further 10,000 Australians will go blind,” said Jacinta Spurrett, the CEO of the RANZCO Eye Foundation.
The campaign is being supported by Kirk Pengilly, INXS band member and JulEYE Ambassador, recognised Art Educator and retired National Gallery Director Betty Churcher, AO and guitarist, motivational speaker and adventurer, Lorin Nicholson, all of whom suffer from eye disease. The Governor General, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC is Patron of the RANZCO Eye Foundation.
Two key events will be held in JulEYE. One will be in Sydney on Friday, 15 June with news presenter Sandra Sully as MC, guest speaker, explorer Tim Jarvis and entertainment by Damian Leith. On Friday 3 August, blind adventurer Gerrard Gosens will address an audience at an event on the Gold Coast. Funds raised during JulEYE will support research projects into the causes of and cures for vision impairment and blindness, and support sustainable eye care programs both in Australia and overseas.
For event tickets or more information, visit eyefoundation.org.au.
