Mike Amor Joins Glaucoma Australia in its Fight Against Eye Disease

Award winning journalist and Seven News Melbourne newsreader, Mike Amor has joined Glaucoma Australia as an official Ambassador in the fight against eye disease and just in time for World Glaucoma Week (10-16 March).

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It affects more than 300,000 Australians, yet it is estimated that 50% of those living with glaucoma are undiagnosed. While nine out of 10 Australians say that sight is their most valued sense1, one third of Aussie’s are not having regular eye tests and an alarming one in eight Aussies have never seen an optometrist in their life².

“Glaucoma is often thought of as an old person’s disease. I was first diagnosed in my twenties but five-years ago glaucoma almost stole my eyesight,” said Mike. “It was around the same time as Channel Seven asked me to come back to Melbourne from the United States, where I was stationed as the US Correspondent, to read the news over Christmas.”

“I was excited, but my eyes weren’t. My eyes were red, sore, weeping and sensitive to light, so I was in discomfort. Despite being on multiple eye drops, the pressure in both eyes was in the high 50s instead of below 20 which is considered safe. The doctor warned me that I was in danger of my eyes ‘stroking out’. I needed urgent surgical intervention to save my eyesight, I was petrified, and I don’t mind saying emotional about it. “

“Thankfully my ophthalmologist in the US was able to get the pressure under control, but only after multiple surgeries and my Australian ophthalmologist says I need to be prepared for further surgeries in the future.”

“If you take anything from my story it is to make your eye health, part of your overall health checks. Even if you don’t need glasses go and get your eyes checked. Testing your eye pressure is painless, it’s as gentle as a puff of air,” added Mike.

With an illustrious career spanning 25 years, Mike has covered many of the biggest stories in the world from conflict zones in Gaza and Libya to the United States including the September 11 attacks and leading Seven's coverage for three US elections, including Barack Obama’s historic win in 2008. Currently he is the weekend presenter of Seven News Melbourne and presents Seven Afternoon News which he is fully aware would not be possible without his sight.

Mike joins the company of fellow Glaucoma Australia Ambassadors Kirk Pengilly from iconic band INXS and David Koch, one of Australia’s best-known faces having co-hosted network Seven’s SUNRISE for over 19 years.

Glaucoma Australia CEO Richard Wylie said, “We are incredibly grateful to Mike for sharing his story as his personal experience shows that glaucoma can affect anyone, and his passionate plea for Australians to go and get their eyes tested will go a long way to increasing glaucoma awareness, early detection and intervention.”

“Australians still need to know more about glaucoma because for most people, diagnosis is a shock. There’s a great deal of anxiety around receiving a glaucoma diagnosis as well as managing the ongoing challenges and that’s part of our role at Glaucoma Australia to provide support through our SiGHTWiSE program.”

As a Glaucoma Australia ambassador, Mike is hoping to raise greater awareness of the importance of eye health, in particular glaucoma and to encourage Australians to get their eyes checked.

“They call glaucoma the silent thief of sight because often there are no symptoms. I knew I had it and it still almost took mine. Don’t let glaucoma steal your eyesight, please go get tested,” added Mike.

To find out more about Glaucoma Australia go to: www.glaucoma.org.au

For more information, please contact:
Jane Morey | Morey Media | 02 9436 2111 | 0416 097 678 | jane@moreymedia.com.au

1. Australian Government Department of Health https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/eye-health
2. Optometry Australia, The 2020 Vision Index