Story by Denise Piper originally published in the Northern Advocate.

Photo by Michael Cunningham.

Peter wants to help raise awareness of macular degeneration, alongside an upcoming seminar, to let people know it is not just a normal age-related decline in sight but a disease that can be treated.

“I’m not anyone special - I just want it known to people that if you’ve got any sort of eye problem, get it sorted,” he said. “The cheapest thing that you can have is an eye test.”

Peter’s story is not an isolated one: Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in New Zealand, affecting at least one in seven people over 50.

Macular Degeneration NZ is organising a free public seminar in Whangārei on the condition, with a talk on treatments, how to reduce the risks and the best way to manage the disease.

The event will include displays of low-vision aids and information packs available to take home.

The seminar will be held on Saturday, August 3, from 10am to 11.30am at Barge Showgrounds Events Centre, 474 Maunu Road, Whangārei.

To register visit mdnz.org.nz/public-seminars, email [email protected] or phone 0800-622-852.

#EyeHealth #EyeHealthAotearoa #maculardegeneration #maculardegenerationawareness #maculardegenerationnz

Macular Degeneration New Zealand - MDNZ

Story by Denise Piper originally published in the Northern Advocate.