First post, hope this is appropriate.
I was walking through Warringah Mall (Sydney) today and went past OPSM where they had a free morning tea and were offering a free macular screening for anyone over the age of 50. Had some coffee and banana bread but I ain't 50 so didn't take the free screening but told some older relatives about it.
It seems like this promotion ends this Friday.
Hmmm… this made me curious too.
Just rang and asked what it involves.
Basically it's 3 things:
1. Read an Eye Chart
2. Look at a special Grid Chart
3. Photos are taken of the eye.
They noted that your eyes aren't even touched so no pain! yay!
Also, you don't even need Medicare for this.
That's what the tea is for. If you spill it whilst drinking, you've failed the test ;) Level of pain depends on temperature of the tea.
haha that makes perfect sense now :P
Some people put it off if they think their eyes are deteriorating, in case they lose their licence. It's a similar logic as running red lights in case you're late for work.
If you have "wet" macular degeneration, the earlier treatment can start, the more sight you save. If "dry", the earlier you know, the earlier you can start learning new strategies…
so when did you graduate and where did you go?
As a biologist? 1991, Flinder's university.
As someone able to read information and spell the words to comment?: It was called Junior 1 at the time, and that would be giving away my age.:-p
http://www.mdfoundation.com.au/treatments.aspx
There may be a campaign on, as this very topic was discussed on 891 [ ABC, Adelaide] this afternoon.
oh thought you were a fellow optometrist, thats all…
@lbanez: Nowhere near that skilled :-) It had just been on local radio, and I figured it was a case for take my advice - it's near new as I've hardly used it.
How do they check your macular? Does it hurt?