WIN News Illawarra filmed a news item about the National Eye Health Survey at the Shellharbour testing site. The clip is by reporter Rob Morrison and includes interviews with National Eye Health Survey participant Lynda Powell and researcher Rosamond Gilden.
The first National Eye Health Survey has been launched, and it will help shape your eye care services in the future.
Posted by WIN News Illawarra on Sunday, 30 August 2015
The first National Eye Health Survey has been launched, and it will help shape your eye care services in the future.
Posted by WIN News Illawarra on Sunday, 30 August 2015
Transcript
News pieces starts with Lynda Powell looking at an E eye chart and talking to optometrist. (On screen – in the background)
Lynda Powell: Facing up.
Optometrists: Yep
Lynda: To the Left to the right
Rob Morrison (off screen): When it comes to her eye sight, Lynda Powell doesn’t take any chances.
Lynda Powell (face to camera): I usually have my eyes tested every two years. It’s important for everyday life, for driving and work. Everyone uses mobile phones and computers these days.
Rob Morrison (off screen): And so she didn’t blink when she was asked to take part in an Australian first, a nationwide study of major eye disease.
Rosamond Gilden (face to camera): You can’t take your eye for granted so we need this up to date data so everyone can get access to eye health care services who isn’t getting access at the moment.
Rob Morrison (off screen): Current statistics on vision loss in Australia are 20 years old. It’s hoped the NEHS will help plan for a more comprehensive eye program in the future. Run but the Centre for Eye Research Australia and Vision 2020 Australia, 30 testing sites like this will collect data and map eye conditions. When the results are released mid-next year, experts say it’ll be an eye opener.
Rosamond Gilden (face to camera): So what we want to do is get an indication of the prevalence of vision impairment and blindness in both non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australians.
Rob Morrison (off screen): Indigenous Australians aged 40 and over and non-Indigenous Australians aged 50 and over are encouraged to participate.
Lynda Powell (face to camera): I fitted the criteria so I came in and it was very good. They’ve highlighted a few problems for me that I’m going to follow up on.
Rob Morrison (off screen): Rob Morrison, WIN News.