Technology in Optometry helping fight diabetes

New Zealand Association Of Optometrists

Media Release
For immediate release

Wednesday, 21 November 2001

New Digital Technology in Optometry helping fight against diabetes.

General Practitioners and Optometrists are expected to come together for a new community based eye-screening initiative using digital technology aimed at preventing blindness in people with diabetes.

“We applaud the emphasis on eye-sight this year during diabetes awareness week,” says the National Director of the Association of Optometrists, Dr Lesley Frederikson. “Once sight is lost, it can’t be regained. Early intervention is essential and Optometrists now have specialist equipment to detect changes at the back of the eye.”

Using high-resolution digital cameras, optometrists in the Wellington region hope to be working with GP’s to ensure that people with diabetes have their eyes routinely monitored. In the condition known as diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels weaken at the back of the eye, leaking fluid and causing blindness. People with diabetes will benefit directly because they are at risk of losing their sight.

Ends
Photo Opportunity: Digital Equipment; “Lights, camera, action”
Contact: Simon McLellan, Communications Officer,
New Zealand Association of Optometrists,
0800 439 322

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