Hamilton Eye Clinic’s Dr David Worsley (far left) and technician Obiri Tieku (far right) with MDNZ’s Andrew Merlino, Deborah Gibson-Hardie and Sarah Berman at the Fielday’s MDNZ stand

Returning to the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere, Macular Degeneration New Zealand (MDNZ) delivered 345 OCT scans and had lots of conversations about the importance of eye-health checks at Fieldays in Mystery Creek, Hamilton.

“The OCT, generously loaned to MDNZ by Carl Zeiss NZ, was a key part of the success of our stand and vital for helping to take away the fear for those not familiar with eye checks and for having conversations about regular eye checks,” said MDNZ general manager Sarah Berman. “Hamilton Eye Clinic were also key partners in making the stand a success with their technicians and ophthalmologists providing expertise. We are also grateful for the help of Anton Frank from the Laser Eye Centre, Hamilton-based optometrist Jo Arthur and third-year optometry student Susanna Weng.”

At the event’s Health Hub, MDNZ offered free OCT scans for AMD and interpretation by an ophthalmologist or optometrist; performed Amsler Grid checks; distributed information about AMD and nutrition and supplements; gave away plus free Amsler grids (930 resources were given out in total); and performed hand-eye coordination games with visitors wearing glasses simulating vision loss for AMD.

Having more space this year worked well, Berman said. “Last year, the MDNZ stand was very popular and we struggled to fit everything in, so this year we doubled the size and it was still busy and one of the more popular stands at the hub.”

Many visitors told Berman they appreciated the opportunity to do a macular scan and the opportunity to discuss the results with an eye-health professional onsite. “One person said while having the scan, fluid was detected in his eye. This visitor said he was very grateful and had since visited the hospital where he had an injection already.”

A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers who helped make Fieldays a success, Berman said. “A particular mention must go to Hamilton Eye Clinic and Carl Zeiss NZ for their significant support. We are making inroads in raising awareness about eye health for the rural community.”