Vision Centre

Surf is danger zone
Daily News , 30 September 2002

THE Tweed and Gold Coast's world famous waves are proving to be an eyesore for surfers. A survey undertaken by leading eye specialists has revealed that three people suffered permanent and total vision loss in surfing accidents on the Gold Coast in the last 12 months. Eye specialists and the Tweed-Gold Coast surfing community, headed by Association of Surfing Professionals director Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew, said they are concerned about the latest statistics. They advocate a number of initiatives to minimise the risks, including improving education for inexperienced surfers, blunting the sharp noses of surfboards and wearing helmets.

Dr Roger Welch, a leading ophthalmologist and founder of the Vision Centre Gold Coast, said there was no doubt surfing had a higher rate of sight loss than any other sport. "We're not talking just minor eye injuries here - these are very serious injuries in which three people lost total sight in their injured eye," Dr Welch said. Mr Bartholomew, a former world professional surfing champion, urged a number of prevention methods to minimise the risk of injury. "My advice to surfers is to ensure they are prepared for the conditions. Often people see blue, warm water and a fun environment without realising the surf isn't always user friendly. "I would recommend rubber nose guards for all surfers but rounding surfboard noses, soft rounded fins and helmets are advisable for inexperienced surfers."