Helping Australians preserve their vision through awareness, prevention and timely intervention.
July marks JulEYE, Australia’s national eye health awareness campaign, highlighting the importance of regular eye examinations and the role early detection plays in preventing avoidable vision loss.
You might already know…the statistics remain compelling: approximately
90% of vision loss and blindness in Australia is preventable or treatable if detected early,
yet vision impairment continues to affect thousands of Australians each year.
As eye care providers and referrers, optometrists and general practitioners play a critical role in identifying eye disease at its earliest stages and ensuring patients receive timely access to specialist care when required.
Many of the most common causes of vision loss—including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease, glaucoma and cataract—can develop with few or no symptoms in their early stages. By the time patients notice changes in vision, irreversible damage may already have occurred.
This is why regular eye examinations remain one of the most effective strategies for preserving sight and maintaining quality of life.
At Queensland Eye & Retina Specialists (QERS), we are proud to work closely with our referring practitioners to provide patients with:
- Timely access to specialist ophthalmic and retinal care
- Advanced diagnostic imaging and surgical technology
- Evidence-based treatment pathways
- Individual management plans tailored to each patient’s needs
Beyond clinical care, JulEYE also provides an opportunity to reinforce the importance of preventative eye health. Encouraging patients to attend regular eye examinations, maintain good systemic health, stop smoking, wear appropriate UV protection and manage chronic conditions such as diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of vision-threatening disease.
When Should Patients Be Referred Urgently?
- New flashes and floaters
- Suspected retinal tear or retinal detachment
- Sudden vision loss
- New distortion or central vision changes
- Retinal haemorrhages or vascular occlusions
- Other sight-threatening retinal pathology requiring urgent assessment
QERS continues to provide rapid access to specialist retinal care for urgent ophthalmic conditions across Queensland and beyond. As we recognise JulEYE this month, we thank our referring optometrists and general practitioners for their ongoing partnership in preserving vision and improving patient outcomes.
Together, through education, early detection and collaborative care, we can help reduce preventable vision loss and protect the sight of Australians for years to come.
