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."
|