A FREE seminar will aim to increase awareness and encourage Kiama residents to take action in having their macular health checked.
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Macular Degeneration Awareness Week takes place from May 24 to 30.
Kiama optometrists Dr Susan Ang and Margaret Zhong said one in four people over 50 are still not heeding the call to action to have their eyes tested and macula checked, despite 85 per cent being aware of macular degeneration.
The pair are supporting Macular Disease Foundation Australia in urging residents at risk to see their optometrist and take control of their eye health.
Risk factors for macular degeneration include being over the age of 50, a direct family history, and smoking.
Macular degeneration is Australia's leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness, affects more than 1.15 million Australians over 50. Symptoms may include one or more of the following: difficulty with reading or any other activity with fine vision, distortion where straight lines appear wavy or bent, distinguishing faces becomes a problem and dark patches or empty spaces appear in the centre of your vision.
The Kiama optometrists will host a free seminar and community awareness talk on Friday, May 29 at 10am at the Blue Haven Village Centre.
The seminar is open to Blue Haven residents and their friends and family.
For more information, phone 1800 111 709 or visit mdfoundation.com.au