The Macular Disease Foundation Australia is calling for final entries into the fourth annual mEYE World Photographic Competition asking Australians to submit a photograph that captures the theme: “a sight worth saving”.
Macular disease is the leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss in Australia and includes diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration. These diseases take away the sight of Australians – both young and old.
This year’s competition boasts a high profile judging panel including media identity and Patron of the Macular Disease Foundation Australia Ita Buttrose, AO, OBE, iconic Australian artist Ken Done, AM, internationally recognised photographer Rex Dupain and one of Australia’s longest serving news photographers, Alan Pryke. The competition provides an opportunity for enthusiasts and budding photographers to showcase their talent while raising awareness of macular disease and supporting the Foundation in its pursuit to save sight.
Macular Disease Foundation Australia chief executive officer, Julie Heraghty, is encouraging all Australians to participate in this years’ competition. “This is an exciting project of the Foundation’s to raise awareness of macular disease and eye health. We want Australians to use photography to capture the theme ‘a sight worth saving’. Vision is a precious sense and we can all help to save sight by spreading the word about the importance of having an eye test and macula check. This is a fun and exciting way to help ensure we can all see a future,” she said.
Denis Fitzgerald from Victoria was grand finalist and winner of the open category for the mEYE World Photographic Competition 2013 with a stunning black and white portrait of his daughter. In a fleeting moment Denis was able to capture the shot of his daughter listening intently to a story being told by her boyfriend. “The look I saw in her eyes was one of beauty, of feeling, and one that only a parent knows. It was a realisation that my baby girl is all grown up,” Denis said.
Denis has been taking photos for as long as he can remember but he never imagined he was capable of winning a national competition. However his ability to depict a moment in time, a precious feeling and a private story within the frame captured the imagination and commendation of the judges.
