You are here: Home > News > Latest updates & news > Guide Dogs celebrates diamond jubilee, and more news in brief
Read time:

1:30min

hero image

Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Karen Hayes  Photo: Guide Dogs Victoria

______________________________

By Helen Carter
Journalist

 

60th anniversary for Guide Dogs Victoria 

Guide Dogs Victoria will celebrate 60 years of changing lives on International Guide Dogs Day, 26 April with an afternoon tea at Government House in Melbourne.

CEO Karen Hayes said the Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau, guide dogs, ambassador dogs and staff would gather to thank the many volunteers who had worked to change the lives of Victorians with low vision and blindness.

Guide Dogs Victoria will also have a presence at the Dog Lovers Show at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton on 5-7 May.

 

Academy foundation changes name

The American Optometric Foundation in its 70th year has officially changed its name to the American Academy of Optometry Foundation, to better align and brand the academy’s foundation.

The foundation is the academy’s philanthropic organisation which administers awards and provides financial support for optometric research and education in vision and eye health to improve clinical patient care.

Over the years Australian optometrists and researchers have been recipients of various awards and grants from the foundation. Like the Facebook page to receive updates on the awards.

 

Alan Finkel - 600 x 297

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel

 

Science prizes closing soon

There are only two weeks left until entries close for the 2017 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, Australia’s most prestigious and highly regarded awards for outstanding achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation and excellence in science teaching.

Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel called on Australians to nominate outstanding teachers, scientists and innovators for the prizes which recognise the achievements and success of scientists and innovators, and the critical role that science educators play in inspiring students.

Each of the seven prizes include prize money ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.

Nominations close at 5 pm AEST on 12 April.

 

Higher cost of living for visually impaired

The cost of living for a pensioner with severe visual impairment is 73 per cent higher than for a pensioner whose sight is unaffected, according to a UK report.

The report, by sight-loss charity Thomas Pocklington Trust, found that care and support in the home comprised half of the extra costs incurred. Costs were also higher for transport, food and drinks, and adaptations in the home.

Filed in category: Uncategorised

Acknowledgement of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation Optometry Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.