March is Glaucoma Awareness month.

This month we are reminding everyone of the importance of routine eye examinations. Glaucoma is called the silent thief of sight. It is a sneaky condition, which is entirely symptomless until it is advanced. People with undiagnosed glaucoma have no changes in their vision to alert them to what is underway in their eye(s).

Glaucoma Awareness Month

What can you do? Easy, have routine eye examinations after the age of forty.

Secondly, find out about your family history. If you had a grandparent with poor vision, or eye problems, find out what their diagnosis was.

If you have more questions come and ask us.

Or try Glaucoma New Zealand’s excellent website. This organisation is all about education and resources. There are some fabulous webinars by Kiwi ophthalmologists who really can explain things in understandable language.

Glaucoma New Zealand Webinars

Subsidy for Children’s Glasses

Subsidy for Glasses for Children 15 Years & Under

There is government funding for eye tests and glasses for children. Provided through Enable NZ, the subsidy* will cover the full cost of an eye examination for children 15 years and under.

*To be eligible families must have a current Community Service Card, or High Health User Card.

The subsidy also extends to prescription glasses, if needed.

Currently most Kiwi children are screened for lazy eyes at 4 years of age, through the B4 School Check. This check is not as in depth as our eye exam but it will identify some vision problems. The next screening check for children's vision is at school in Year 7, for children about 11 years of age.

Talk to us if you have any concerns or questions about your child's eyes and vision, or book online here to see Claire or Sally. Contact us on 09 425 9646

Does your Southern Cross Insurance cover eye care and eye wear?

We offer Southern Cross Easy-Claim. Southern Cross members can claim approved Optical services at their appointment. Optical services covered  under your insurance plan will be paid directly - no need to complete a claim form or wait for reimbursement - easy!

Benefits vary depending on your plan e.g. Health Essentials can claim up to 75% of the cost of an optometrist consultation, and Ultracare accepts claims up to $350 per year.

We can help you see what you are entitled to on the easy-claim website. If you would like to know more before your visit, please get in touch at 09 425 9646.

Warkworth Low Vision Support Group Monday 18 February 1.30pm

For the past four years the Low Vision Support group has met each month at Summerset Retirement Village.

This is a support group for people with low vision, and people who have eye conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, who may in the future be living with reduced sight. Our group has come together through shared challenges and losses, and celebrated successes when someone has embraced new technology and found solutions which are very helpful.

Blind Low Vision New Zealand are moving away from their physical audio players to Alexa Smart Speakers, and several people now find these devices very useful on a daily basis. Smart phone apps are helpful to read mail aloud.

While some of this technology is hugely helpful, there are still many everyday challenges to overcome when you don’t see well. One recent shared frustration discussed was the three pin plug. Many in this group find doing this very tricky. This is an appeal to anyone out there with a problem solving bent; how can we design a solution for this?!

Three pin plug, can you solve the problem?

We meet the 3rd Monday of each month, 1.30pm. Please join us if you or someone in your family is struggling with low vision.

At our next meeting, Monday 19 Feburary, we are meeting at Summerset Falls. We will be joined by Helena Easton from Blind and Low Vision NZ. She is a great link to all the resources and support on offer. Please join us, all welcome.

McDonald Adams Science Scholarships 2023

It is so lovely to experience prizegiving nights at Mahurangi College and Rodney College. These events have a lovely sense of occasion and celebration.

Mahurangi College student Abby Charlton wrote a lovely email to thank us for her scholarship;

I wanted to express my deepest thanks for selecting me for the McDonald Adams Scholarship. I am truly honored to be chosen as the recipient. Thank you for your generosity and support towards my educational goals and journey. 

Abby Charlton with Sally Adams, Mahurangi College

At Rodney College our award went to Toby Henderson who is choosing between Health Science at University of Otago or Engineering at University of Auckland.

We wish Abby and Toby all the best for their studies in 2023.

Toby Henderson and Claire McDonald, Rodney College

Glaucoma Webinar Series

Glaucoma NZ are hosting a free Glaucoma webinar series. This is a great opportunity for people to learn more about this condition, as well as a format to ask questions. Open to all, including family and friends of people who live with Glaucoma. If you are interested and would like to register, please click on the link.