« Back to News

Whitehorse City Council hosted the inaugural Men’s Health Expo at Box Hill Town Hall on 30 November 2011. The purpose of the Expo was to encourage men in the area to get active about managing their health. Largely interactive, the Expo featured VFL/AFL legend Tom Hafey and comedian Harley Breen who spoke of their personal health experiences.

 

The Vision Initiative was invited to participate and coordinated a stand promoting eye health. Extending this opportunity to partners, Jane Barnes from Guide Dogs Victoria and Catia Sicari from Glaucoma Australia attended the event.

 

Jane was impressed by the range of organisations present promoting men’s health. This included The University of the Third Age, Arthritis Australia, the Australian Men’s Shed Association, Red Cross and beyondblue.

 

Jane and Catia provided information on the prevention of eye disease, low vision services and the five main eye conditions, including glaucoma. Jane provided simulation glasses to visitors, demonstrating the impact of vision loss. One visitor commented that information about the Centre for Vision Independence and low vision services would be helpful for his friend struggling with macular degeneration and vision loss.

 

Highlighting the strengths of detecting eye disease early, Catia from Glaucoma Australia, participated in an arm wrestling challenge - an activity promoting fitness and health. Her ‘strong-arm’ tactics were certain to benefit everyone who attended the Expo!

« Back to News