World Retina Day 2001
One in 3000 babies is born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a hereditary disease that attacks the retina, or light-sensitive portion of the eye. There is no cure for the disease, which causes progressive loss of vision and total blindness in many cases. On Saturday September 29, World Retina Day 2001 is being observed in an effort to raise funds for research and provide information and support for people affected by inherited retinal eye disease.
How you can help
Plant Cosmos ‘Bright Eyes’, a beautiful summer annual in the Yates packet seed range. The semi-double flowers are in warm colours, from scarlet through to orange and yellow. The seeds can be started in trays of seed raising mix or sown directly into the garden in a sunny position. They will grow in all areas of Australia. Forty cents from the purchase price of every packet of seeds sold will go to Retina Australia. Since its introduction two years ago, Yates have donated $20,000 to Retina Australia from sales of Cosmos ‘Bright Eyes’. The seeds cost $2.70 per packet from nurseries and garden centres. The purchase of owl badges will also help fund research into Retinitis Pigmentosa. The badges cost $2 each. They are available at HCF branches and participating optometrists from September 10, or from Guides Australia, Trefoil Guilds selling in local shopping centres on September 29.
Further details
For more information phone Retina Australia on 1800 999 870. Website: www.retinaaustralia.com.au
