Save your sight

In 2009, almost 575,000 Australians were blind or vision impaired. The number of Australians affected is expected to nearly reach 800,000 by 2024 unless people are proactive about saving their sight.

The good news is around 75 per cent of vision loss is preventable or treatable. Regular eye tests play an important role by enabling early detection and diagnosis.

Getting your eyes tested

Saving your sight could be as simple as having regular eye tests.

It is particularly important that you have regular eye tests if you:

• have a family history of eye disease
• have diabetes
• are over the age of 40 years
• are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
• have noticed a change in your vision.

Eye tests can be arranged through a general practitioner, optometrist or by referral to an ophthalmologist.

Regular eye tests will help detect any problems at an early stage and allow for the best treatment.

Preventing damage

You can start protecting your eyes by following these simple rules:

• Wear sunglasses and a hat when you are in the sun to prevent ultraviolet damage.
• Wear eye protection goggles or glasses when performing do-it-yourself activities.
• Wear appropriate protective goggles when playing sport, especially squash.
• Quit smoking.

To find out more, download the information sheets below.