More than 150 guests enjoyed a wonderful night at the RANZCO Eye Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Dinner held as part of the RANZCO Queensland Branch Meeting on the Gold Coast last Friday night.

 

Bubbly, bright and charismatic, 22-year-old Pnina is like any other young adult. Based in Sydney, she’s currently studying a Bachelor of Science, lives for the weekends and loves spending time with her friends.

Sydney-based mother Joanne would never have suspected that her son Josh would be diagnosed at age eleven with a rare eye condition called Keratoconus that causes the cornea to shift and change shape, resulting in distorted vision and potential vision loss. Now nearly fifteen, Josh never lets his condition prevent him from doing the things he loves; however had his condition been detected earlier it may have been preventable.

This JulEYE we have dedicated Week 3 of the campaign to eye safety in and around the home and to help us get the message out Scott Cam, Keith the Foreman and some of the Blockheads from Channel Nine’s hit reality TV Show ‘The Block’ kindly took time out of their busy schedules to meet up with us at Homebush Olympic Park to talk about the importance of eye safety when working on your home.

At 33 years of age, Cathy Hoole is happily married, mum to two gorgeous children and in a job she loves. She only has one regret. Diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 11, Cathy admits that her early years of neglecting her health and an indifferent attitude towards her condition, has left her picking up the pieces in more recent years. In 2004, Cathy was diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy and now knows more than ever the importance of taking control of your health - and sooner rather than later.

Lorin Nicholson’s four albums of instrumental guitar have made him one of Australia’s highest-selling independent artists. Born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Lorin was declared legally blind at the age of four. However he has always been determined not to let his disability prevent him from leading a full and meaningful life.

Kirk Pengilly is best known as the guitarist, saxophonist and principal backing vocalist of the iconic Australian rock band, INXS. He is also well known and recognized for wearing his trademark thick-rimmed black glasses. However, his trademark glasses represent far more than a trendy fashion statement.