EVENT: NOVEMBER 10
Today is World Keratoconus Day, which is celebrated on November 10 every year. It is a day for patients, family members and eye-carers to raise awareness of this eye condition that affects millions of people around the world, often causing serious vision loss.
Tell your stories about living with keratoconus and support others with keratoconus by posting on your social media with the hashtag #worldkcday
THE ASSOCIATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2021 via zoom
Keratoconus Australia Inc will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 6pm (Melbourne time) via zoom (register your attendance via email to admin@keratoconus.org.au and a zoom link will be sent to you prior to the meeting.
Reports on the Association’s activities and its financial accounts will be presented at the meeting. These will soon be available for download in pdf format from the website or from the Association.
Elections will also be held for the positions of office bearers. Nominations can be submitted to the Secretary of the Association in writing before Friday November 26, 2021 by downloading and returning the nomination form.
If you are unable to attend the meeting via zoom, you can appoint a proxy to act on your behalf at the meeting. The appointment of a proxy form can be downloaded and filled out here. Please return to us by November 26, 2021.
We urgently require new committee members to assist in developing and implementing the Association’s projects and services. We are looking for dynamic, self-motivated people with experience in a range of areas, new ideas and enthusiasm. People with experience in assessing and managing medical research projects and advocating for better access to affordable treatments would be invaluable.
Anyone who would like to host coffee catchups via zooms or form a local group in their area or organise fundraisers should also get in touch.
Please contact KA Secretary Mary Veal directly on 0409 644 811 if you wish to volunteer.
Please note that under Section 8.2 (c), the Members of the Committee must be Members of the Association. However anybody wishing to assist the Association can offer their services.
RESEARCH
The Centre for Eye Research Australia presented an update on its keratoconus research on November 8, 2021.
During this patient focused forum, attendees heard about the latest advancements in research, treatment options and how genetics play their part.
CERA keratoconus project lead Dr Srujana Sahebjada also discussed how CERA research is working to better understand the risk factors, early detection and application of artificial intelligence to improve the overall understanding and better management of keratoconus. Dr Sahebjada also had an insightful discussion with keratoconus patient, Erica Blake.
AVAILABLE ON VIDEO NOW
Living with Keratoconus today and beyond was the theme for this year’s KeraClub, with a focus on managing keratoconus in a COVID-19 world and beyond. The online forum was held on October 18, 2021 and attracted almost 180 attendees.
KeraClub is an annual event for people with keratoconus, their families, friends and the wider keratoconus and eye-carer community.
KeraClub is a joint initiative of the Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, and Keratoconus Australia.
This year’s presenters
Ophthalmologist Professor Stephanie Watson Professor Watson discussed the impact of COVID-19 on keratoconus patients and the Save Sight Keratoconus Registry. She is the Head of Corneal Research Unit at the Save Sight Institute and Head, Corneal Unit at Sydney Eye Hospital, the Chief investigator of the Save Sight Keratoconus Registry project and Chair of the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia. She was the only Australian included in the list of the World’s Top 100 Women ophthalmologists.
Associate Professor Mark Roth, OAM discussed ‘Allergy, dry eye, eye-rubbing and keratoconus. A/Prof Roth is an expert optometrist who will also present his top contact lens management tips for keratoconus.
Dr Himal Kandel, the Kornhauser Research Associate at the Save Sight Keratoconus Registry presented ground-breaking research from the Save Sight Keratoconus registry. The research findings have had global impact with papers published in leading international journals and presented at 15 national and international conferences over the past year.
Ms Chloe Davies was invited as a patient-speaker. Ms Davies has lived with keratoconus for a long time and had her first corneal transplant when she was 12 years old. “Patient’s perspectives are the centre of the KeraClub and we were excited to hear Ms Davies’ experience.” said Dr Kandel.
Mr Larry Kornhauser, OAM, the president of Keratoconus Australia briefly described the patient support activities conducted by Keratoconus Australia and what needs to be done in the future for keratoconus. patients.
KeraClub 21 was chaired by Ms Michelle Urquhart, an internationally reputed violist and violinist who has also lived most of her life with keratoconus.
ITCHY EYES?
Put in eye drops – not your fingers
Eye rubbing can trigger and worsen keratoconus and other eye diseases. Your optometrist or pharmacist can recommend a range of eye drops to ease the itch and urge to rub.
Quick tips for relief of itchy eyes
- Avoid allergens as much as possible by staying indoors on high pollens days, or wear wrap around sunglasses outdoors
- cold compresses over the eyelid can provide short term relief from sore and inflamed eyes
- remove your contact lenses if suffering severe symptoms and can wear spectacles instead
- use over-the-counter allergy eye drops like zaditine from your pharmacy. For severe symptoms, ask your GP or optometrist to prescribe stronger medication
- if you have other allergic responses such as a runny nose, try taking an antihistamine tablet available from your pharmacy or supermarket
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can be prescribed to decrease swelling and inflammation from seasonal allergies
- steroid drops may also be prescribed for acute eye allergy symptoms but should be used only for short periods due to potential adverse side effects
Whatever you do, don’t rub your eyes
Support in the UK
People with relatives living with keratoconus in the United Kingdom can obtain support from the local group there which offers a range of resources and support and posts videos of their meetings. For further information, please go to their website. The UK keratoconus group can also be contacted:
By phone on – 020-8993 4759
By email at – info@keratoconus-group.org.uk
By Post at – PO Box 26251, London, W3 9WQ
Keratoconus Australia is on Facebook where we are posting all the news about the Association, its partners, the latest research in keratoconus from around the world and what’s happening in the local keratoconus community.
Please spread the word
