2020 Awareness Week
This year MDNZ’s Awareness Week (which is usually held in May) will take place from 2 to 9 November. This Awareness Week MDNZ aims to highlight what New Zealanders risk losing if they don’t take their eye health seriously.
MDNZ launched a photographic competition asking people to enter their photo of their most “Beautiful New Zealand View”. After months of lockdown, people were itching to get out and about and this theme fitted in nicely with New Zealanders wanting to travel around our beautiful country. The competition was publicised through NZ Herald Travel supplement, through Facebook and Instagram, and we received an amazing 503 entries.
Photos were shortlisted by the judging panel which included actress and TV presenter Shavaughn Ruakere, landscape photographer Rach Stewart and nutritionist Claire Turnbull, before being put to a public vote to find the top ten.
During Awareness Week, look out for the top ten photographs that will appear on billboards in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch. They will also be promoted in newspapers, online news sites, Facebook and Instragram.
A photograph of Hooker Lake in Canterbury has been awarded New Zealand’s most beautiful view. Images of Pouakai Tarns in Taranaki and Riwaka Resurgence in Nelson complete the top three. These top winners have won a free eye test, plus frames and lenses thanks to sponsors Essilor and the winners have been notified about their prize.
The theme of Macular Degeneration Awareness Week 2020 is to protect your view from macular degeneration. See above what may happen if you don’t.
Competition Winners – 1st: Darren Patterson – Christchurch: Hooker Lake, Hooker Valley, in the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. 2nd: Delwyn Barnett – New Plymouth: Pouakai Tarns, Egmont National Park, Taranaki region. 3rd: Aniell Esposito – Nelson: Riwaka resurgence, Kahurangi National Park and Motueka area in the Nelson/Tasman region
Check out and share MDNZ’s Facebook and Instagram leading up to and during Awareness Week to see a selection of the stunning photos entered into the competition. This could be a great opportunity to share and have a conversation with your friends and family about macular degeneration.
Optometrists and ophthalmologists around NZ will receive copies of the MDNZ Eye Map. If you have an appointment during or after Awareness Week make sure you ask them for a copy. This brochure highlights the eight top tips to care for your eyes and has an Amsler Grid that will enable you to check your vision frequently, one eye at a time. Remember, if you notice any sudden changes, you need to make an appointment with your eye professional promptly.
To see more photographs entered into the competition please go to our website mdnz.org.nz/awareness-week
