Did you know that 13 million Aussies have one or more long-term eye conditions? And yet almost 4.6 million consumers do not even consider going to the optometrist for a check up.
The MyHealth1st platform implores people to regularly check their eyes for detection with the launch of the nationwide LookDeeper.com.au initiative.
The campaign educates Australians about the hidden dangers of eye disease and demonstrates the difference between what they can see versus what an optometrist can see beneath the surface of the eyes,” says 1st Group’s Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder Klaus Bartosch.
Most people nowadays book dentist or doctor appointments online, and so Klaus feels that it would make sense for optometrists to also be “easily accessible in the same way” on a 24/7 basis.
Recently, I attended the campaign launch at the Art Gallery of NSW which was attended by INXS star Kirk Pengilly; World Champion Surfer Layne Beachley and Matt Formston, Australian Paralympian. Matt demonstrated the negative effects that blindness and impaired vision can have on our lives.
You can’t put a price on your eyes and the incredible sense of sight. Early detection and regular eye test could be the difference between sight and living in the dark for the rest of your life.” said Australian Paralympian, Matt Formston
During the dinner, Matt asked guests to wear specially designed eye masks and be escorted around the room with the aid of the person sitting next to you. We also had an art historian describe a painting of Margaret Olsen as we stood there with our eyes shut. It made those of us who have good sight realise just how difficult impaired vision is and how it effects people daily. We get to wear Maui Jim sunglasses as we walk along the beach and enjoy the sights of children making sandcastles, unlike people with impaired vision.
The issue lies in peoples’ reluctance to go see a doctor or an optometrist – simply waiting too long can worsen the symptoms, which is why Bartosch is keen to highlight the importance of regular visits to the optometrist.
MyHealth1st.com.au would allow for people to access what they need quickly and effectively.
The LookDeeper.com.au campaign is a wake-up call for all Australians to consider checking their eyes every six months. When it comes to eye disease, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Visit EyeHealth1st or Look Deeper and book an appointment today.
