Nov 2012 - Lions Australia

Grey nomad’s sight quest
Lion Barry Gazzard, a member of Australian
Lionsonoz, the Lions club made up of “grey
nomads”, recently visited Malaysia with his
new bride Ling, a native of that country, on a
mission of mercy. Here’s Barry’s inspiring
story.
Our project began in November last year, when
Ling advised me of the need of some Malaysian
natives (Orang Asli) living in the north of Malaysia
near Kampar, and young and old people living in
homes and shelters in Kuala Lumpur and the
Selangor area.
She told me these people were very poor and
received little government assistance, plus many of
them needed spectacles.
After contacting Dulek Jali and the Reverend
Joseph Tang, it was found at least 100 people
could benefit from glasses, so I contacted PDG
Kenneth Leonard, Chairman for recycled glasses,
and put my proposal.
He was forthcoming with 250 pairs of glasses of
various magnifications and duly despatched them
to me prior to my departure for Malaysia in June
this year.
With the aid of Reverend Tang I was able to
enlist the help of Darren Lau, an optometrist from
Kuala Lumpur, to travel the 170k north to Kampar
to test the villagers there. At about the same time, I
contacted the Lions Club of Kampar’s President
Lion Chan Oi Fun about the project and they in turn
arranged another optometrist, Ashley Chan from the
Lions Club of Ipoh Evergreen.
On Monday 16 July, 10 Lions met at Kampar,
and proceeded to the village 45 minutes away and
started testing with specialist equipment brought
along by the optometrists.
It was over 30 degrees in the shade of a
marquee specially erected for the purpose, but
slowly the people were assessed for glasses and
dispensed suitable eyewear. It was remarkable to
see the happiness in the eyes of recipients and the
Lions received many hugs and handshakes.
Fifty five people received glasses and two
children were assessed as short sighted and
needing specially made glasses.
18
Lion Barry watches as optometrist Ashley Chan fits a
pair of eyeglasses to a local resident of Orang Asli,
while (below) Barry and Lions Lady Ling survey used
eyeglasses ready for distribution.
One person was found to have an eye problem
due to diabetes, and two others had cataracts.
We completed the day about 3.30pm pleased
with the result.
Thanks go to Kampar, Ipoh Evergreen and Perak
Silver State Lions for their valued participation. The
remaining glasses were distributed to the Aged
Home in Kuala Lumpur by optometrist Darren Lau.
Ling and I flew back home well pleased at having
made a difference. I presented certificates of
appreciation to Ashley Chan, Darren Lau, the Lions
Club of Kampar and the Lions Club of Perak Silver
State from my club.
Eye tests the key to
avoidable blindness
Almost 575,000 Australians over 40 have
vision loss representing 5.8% of the
population in that age group. Of these,
around 66,500 people are blind.
This number is predicted to rise to 800,000plus
by 2020 unless people are proactive about
saving their sight.
About 80% of avoidable vision loss in Australia
is caused by five conditions, all of which increase
in prevalence with age, age-related macular
degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma.
Vision loss prevents healthy and independent
ageing and is associated with the following:
risk of falls increased two times
risk of depression increased three times
risk of hip fractures increased four to eight
times
admission to nursing home three years early
twice as likely to use health services.
The following people are at increased risk of
developing an eye condition:
those over 40
those with a family history of eye conditions
those with diabetes
those who smoke
those of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
descent
The good news is that 75% of blindness and
vision loss is preventable or treatable.
World Sight Day took place on Thursday 11
October and was an opportunity to emphasise the
essential steps to protect vision.
The key to good eye health is regular eye tests
by an eye care professional and seeking advice as
soon as changes in vision are experienced.
Conditions such as AMD, glaucoma or diabetic
retinopathy do not have symptoms in the early
stage, therefore people at increased risk should
have regular eye tests to detect these conditions.
In addition, simple things can be done every day
to protect eyes from unnecessary damage:
wearing sunglasses and hat when in the sun
wear protective glasses when doing DIY activities
maintain healthy lifestyle
keep blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
levels under control if at risk or suffering diabetes
Don’t smoke
Lion