Eye care professionals are urged to get behind this month’s Glaucoma Australia fundraising initiative; the 7 Sights Challenge.

The annual challenge raises much-needed funds to help take glaucoma blindness out of the picture while increasing Australians’ awareness of this insidious eye disease.

Running throughout March, the 7 Sights Challenge is asking Australians to capture seven pictures while they are out and about enjoying life. The challenge is designed to remind them their sight is precious as they snap moments in time while raising money for glaucoma research to improve patients’ quality of life, early detection programs, and critical support services.

Laurence Outim, an optometrist in Bathurst, participated in last year’s challenge, taking out the title of Most Enthusiastic 7 Sights Challenger 2022. Mr Outim posted photos of his pennyfarthing ride to Abercrombie House and road cycling to Mount Panorama and other places in Bathurst, uploading them to YouTube on the ecopenny channel.

“I wanted to give a behind-the-scenes view of where my photos came from, and the places that they were taken, to really highlight how important your sight is. As an optometrist, I think a great deal of work has been done to create awareness of the need for eye examinations, but I still have so many people come into the practice saying their last visit was five or 10 years ago.

“I am constantly reinforcing the importance of regular check-ups, not only for glaucoma, but other eye diseases, especially for those over the age of 40,” said Mr Outim.

“Campaigns like the 7 Sights Challenge are critical in prompting people to get a regular eye examination, which is so important when it comes to glaucoma… We need to be able to capture changes in people eye’s earlier, before permanent and irreversible damage occurs.

“Spreading awareness, undertaking research and funding critical support services all takes money, so I’m happy to get involved in the 7 Sights Challenge again and challenge other optometrists and eye specialists to do the same.”

A FUN, EASY CHALLENGE

Glaucoma Australia CEO Richard Wylie said Australians have the power to save their sight and avoid the challenges that come with impaired sight “simply by getting their eyes tested”.

“Australians need to know that loss of vision is irreversible and life changing. And for those who are currently living with glaucoma, we need to provide support, reduce anxiety, and improve treatment outcomes. All of this takes money, so please register today and take part in helping us help people who are living with glaucoma,” added Mr Wylie.

Mr Outim said the 7 Sights Challenge is a fun challenge that’s easy for people to do.

“You can just use a mobile phone to take the photos, you don’t need fancy equipment. It gets you out and about in your local community, and importantly, every donation that you raise is for a worthwhile cause.”

The 7 Sights Challenge is an initiative of Glaucoma Australia and is supported by Platinum Sponsor, Pinstripe Media, Gold Sponsor mivision, and Silver Sponsors OPSM, Laubman & Pank, and Specsavers.

Register or sponsor a participant to raise muchneeded funds at: www.sevensights.org.au.

Laurence Outim (above) and taking part in the 2022 7 Sights Challenge (below).