see our vision
MACULAR DEGENERATION
NEW
ZEALAND
Rosie Horton
OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF MDNZ
Mayor John Banks officially launched MDNZ at a special event in Newmarket on 8 April attended by MDNZ Chairperson, Dr. Dianne Sharp, Trustees, Ambassadors and special guests.
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Vision Van Tour
21 highly successful vision education seminars were held throughout New Zealand from Whangarei to Invercargill. Each seminar involved a local ophthalmologist who explained Macular Degeneration, an optometrist who discussed the management of low vision and a staff member from the Foundation of the Blind, who advised on options to maintain independence. The purpose of the seminars was to increase awareness of MD, promote education about MD and enhance the quality of life and support for people with MD.
Minister of Health Tony Ryall, with the vision van in Wellington at the RANZCO (Royal Australian New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists) Conference in May. With Susi Tegen CEO of RANZCO, Dr Dianne Sharp Chairman of MDNZ, Dr Mike O'Rourke, Chairman of NZ branch RANZCO.
Ocean Shores Retirement Village Visit
The Vision Van tour of NZ for 2010 was completed with a visit to the Ocean Shores Retirement Village in Mt Maunganui on Saturday 22 nd May 2010. Some 72 attendees were present and heard enlightened presentations from Dr Michael O'Rourke, Ophthalmologist, Ms Lynley Webb, Low Vision Optometrist and Ms Elsa Pullenger RNZFB.
The meeting was opened by Philip Sherry, well known broadcaster and Ambassador of Macular Degeneration New Zealand and was closed by Mrs Viv Jones, Trustee of Macular Degeneration New Zealand, who related her own story regarding MD. At the close of the formal part of the meeting, an energetic question and answer session took place with Dr Michael O'Rourke fielding a raft of enquiries from the floor. The Vision Van Tour Manager, Mr Ben Elliott, distributed a wealth of information on Macular Degeneration through pamphlets, and residents were able to examine some of the low vision aids on display.
STOP PRESS
MDNZ has been accepted as a member of AMD Alliance International which now consists of 70 members in 25 countries.
It is the only international organization in the world dedicated exclusively to macular degeneration.
Website: www.AMDAlliance.org