A photograph of young ballerinas resting after a long day of ballet has taken out the major prize in the annual mEYE World Photographic Competition.
Macular Disease Foundation Australia announced the grand finalist and category winners of the 2016 competition on Wednesday 14 November, marking World Diabetes Day.
The outstanding winners were selected from over 2,400 photographs entered to celebrate the theme See My World.
An initiative of Macular Disease Foundation Australia, the competition is designed to raise awareness of macular disease, including macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.
Tania Savona, of Ormond, Victoria, took the winning shot which she had entered into the competition’s macular disease community category. Describing her photograph she wrote, “After a hard day’s work of dancing and prancing, these ballerinas were captured recharging their batteries and getting 40 winks. You cannot see their eyes but they have a look of calmness and shared friendship. I’m not a dancer but I love to see my daughter dance and escape into her world of beautiful music and costumes.”
For the third consecutive year, retired anaesthetist Dr. Kerry Boytell won the healthcare professional category. Dr. Boytell, who submitted two photos to the competition, was also awarded healthcare professional first runner up.
The competition was judged by a high profile judging panel that included Foundation Patron Ita Buttrose, internationally recognised photographer Rex Dupain, and one of Australia’s longest- serving news photographers, Alan Pryke.
“Macular disease affects Australians of all ages and we now know that early detection can save sight. The competition is a wonderfully creative way to remind people how precious their sight is and why they should do all they can to preserve it,” said Ms. Buttrose.
Macular Disease Foundation Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Julie Heraghty, said the quality of entries received was outstanding. “The photographs reflected the theme ‘See My World’ in beautiful and diverse ways that truly remind people of how important it is to value their vision.”
Competition categories include: macular disease community, healthcare professional, open, and junior (under 18). Eligible photographs were presented for judging without personal identification.
Category winners
Grand Finalist and Macular Disease Community Winner – Tania Savona, Ormond VIC
Healthcare Professional – Dr Kerry Boytell, Mosman NSW
Open (General Public) – Sharran Makin, Redhead NSW
Junior (Under 18) – Floyd Mallon, Maitland NSW
