We live in one of the most beautiful countries on earth and with summer here, more of us will get outside to enjoy it. This is wonderful on a couple of levels, firstly being outside, as it helps keep the myopia otherwise known as short sightedness at bay. A recent large Australian Study has indicated that 2.5 hours outside a day helps protect your child from becoming short sighted.

In my opinion it is also great for our mental health. To be outside exploring nature, of course that is after you have survived the fight for a parking space at Mooloolaba beach.

My concern is that while I love seeing families out and about being active and enjoying our countries natural beauty’s. I regularly notice the lack of broad brimmed hats and more particularly sunglasses on the babies and young children. Both of these pieces of sun protection are mentioned in the Slip, Slap, Slop, Slide campaign by the Cancer Council and for good reason due to the very high instances of skin cancer in Queensland. We have the highest rate of skin cancer of anywhere in the world.

As a mum and an Optometrist, I would really like parents to think about their child’s eyes and how they can protect their vision. Starting with ultraviolet light protection, as what most people don’t know is that UV damage is cumulative – even in the eyes and it is linked to cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, along with cancers of the eye.

I am working to bring about the Play Safe message. By all means get out side and enjoy our beautiful country, but please protect your vision while doing so.