Vision Van Begins Third Tour

Following the overwhelming success of the Vision Van’s 2008 and 2009 tours, the MD Foundation will again partner with Novartis, Optometrist Association Australia (OAA) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) to roll out a third Vision Van tour.

The Vision Van is a mobile screening unit providing free tests for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to people aged 50 and over. In its third tour, the Vision Van will stop at 28 towns across five states – Tasmania, Victoria, ACT, New South Wales and South Australia.

Bookings for free AMD screenings in the Vision Van are essential. People aged 50 and over can call 1800 176 255 to find out whether the Vision Van is visiting their area. People aged 50 and over who are unable to be screened in the Vision Van are encouraged to see their local optometrist for a macula check.

"The Vision Van is providing an important service to elderly Australians", said Foundation CEO Julie Heraghty. "We know that many older people dismiss symptoms of macular degeneration, believing loss of sight is a normal part of getting older. This belief is wrong!"

During its first two tours, the Vision Van screened almost 2,300 people and signs of AMD were detected in one in eight people, closely reflecting the findings from the largest eye assessment study which showed one in seven Australians over the age of 50 are affected by AMD.

In addition to the Vision Van initiative, people are encouraged to attend education seminars on AMD hosted by the Macular Degeneration Foundation. Education seminars will be held in many areas visited by the Vision Van and further information can be obtained by calling 1800 111 709.

Vision Van Phase III Schedule

24 September 2009