OPSM calls for more regular eye testing

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With focus on World Retina Day, OPSM calls for more regular testing for eye conditions

Leading eye care group OPSM is urging New Zealanders to make more use of retinal imaging to monitor early onset of critical eye conditions. The call comes ahead of World Retina Day which is 25th September.

OPSM recommends high-tech retinal imaging for early detection of eye conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma and macular degeneration. These three conditions are responsible for most of the low vision and blindness experienced in New Zealand today.

The retinal imaging takes less than 5 minutes, allowing an optometrist to detect vision abnormalities sooner and even refer the person for the appropriate medical treatment.

Alice Ku, Regional Eye-care manager for OPSM says the eye is the window to many aspects of our general health and a good example is that of deteriorating vision which is a key knock-on effect of diabetes.

“Too often this goes undiagnosed, resulting in debilitating eye problems and in extreme cases may even lead to blindness,” says Ms Ku.

“Regular retinal imaging is the most effective way to monitor diabetes-related eye condition changes. The same goes for glaucoma and macular degeneration, as the retinal camera images which are captured can be compared over time.”

“Changes seen in the ocular blood vessels, optic nerve head, nerve fibre layer and retina are monitored and referred for treatment when necessary,” she says.

Ms Ku says that retinal cameras are in OPSM stores nationwide. “We have 14 high-technology FUNDUS retinal cameras across OPSM stores in New Zealand.”

“We expect the retinal FUNDUS camera to play a greater role in vision health management in future years as conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and Macular Degeneration affect more and more New Zealanders.”

About OPSM
OPSM is the leading provider of eye care and eyewear in Australia and New Zealand and helps more than one million people see better each year. With more than 350 stores throughout Australia and New Zealand, OPSM carries an exclusive range of optical and sun brands. For more detailed information about OPSM visit www.opsm.co.nz OPSM’s toll free customer service number is 0800 MY OPSM.

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