The annual mEYE World Photographic Competition, an initiative of Macular Disease Foundation Australia, is now open and healthcare professionals have the chance to share in over $8,000 worth of prizes, including a cash prize of $3,000.
The competition theme is ‘See My World’ and the Foundation’s CEO, Julie Heraghty, said she is looking forward to seeing photographs that reflect the rich diversity of Australian life.
“We all see the world so very differently; this competition and the photos entered will show the kaleidoscope that is Australia. Photos could be of a local multi-cultural event, a favourite landscape, a blade of grass, or like last year’s grand finalist, a brief moment of wonder in a child’s face. It’s your world, and what it means to you is what we want to see,” said Ms. Heraghty.
Now in its sixth year, this free competition is open to all and offers four categories: an open category; junior; macular disease community; and healthcare professionals.
Dr. Kerry Boytell, a retired ophthalmic anaesthetist, was the winner of last year’s healthcare professional category with a detailed photograph of a hummingbird (included here). She was also the Grand Finalist of mEYE World Photographic Competition in 2014. For Dr. Boytell, sight is the key sense that enables her to pursue her passion. “I found in photography an outlet for my creative endeavours and am so lucky to have good eyesight which allows me to follow this passion. Macular Disease Foundation Australia plays such a significant role in helping those not so fortunate, and should be wholeheartedly supported,” she said.
Ms. Heraghty said the mEYE World Photographic Competition has become a highly respected fixture on the Foundation’s calendar. “Our judges, the Foundation’s Patron Ita Buttrose, professional photographer Rex Dupain and Alan Pryke, one of Australia’s longest serving news photographers, never fail to be impressed by the quality of the entries. I encourage all Australians to submit a photo, along with a few words about why it represents the theme See My World.”
mEYE World Photographic Competition runs until 18 October 2016. Visit meyephotocomp.com.au
