The annual mEYE World Photographic Competition, an initiative of Macular Disease Foundation Australia, is now open with over $8,000 worth of prizes, including a cash prize of $3,000, to be shared among winners.

The competition theme is ‘See My World’ and Foundation’s CEO, Julie Heraghty, said she is looking forward to seeing photographs that reflect the rich diversity of Australian life.

“We all see the world so very differently; this competition and the photos entered will show the kaleidoscope that is Australia.  Photos could be of a local multi-cultural event, a favourite landscape, a blade of grass, or like last year’s grand finalist, a brief moment of wonder in a child’s face. It’s your world, and what it means to you is what we want to see.”

Macular disease is the leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss in Australia and includes diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration.

“Macular disease can affect people from all walks of life and impacts people with the disease, as well as their family, friends and carers,” said Julie. “When people lose their vision, they gain a different perspective of the world around them.  We are asking all Australians to capture their unique perspective of the world and celebrate sight.”

Now in its sixth year, this free competition is open to all and offers four categories: an open category; junior; macular disease community; and healthcare professionals.

Last year’s grand finalist, Rebecca Burton, who submitted a photo of her young daughter captivated by dust motes dancing in a stream of morning light said, “I was thrilled to win the 2015 mEYE World Photographic Competition. I had very little knowledge of macular disease before I entered, but I loved the idea of capturing and sharing a precious sight. The Foundation’s competition was the perfect way to do this and in the process, it made me reflect on how much I value the ability to see; from the littlest details, to the treasured moments, they all enrich my memories of my world.”

“The competition has become a fixture on the Foundation’s calendar and is highly respected,” said Julie.  “Our judges, among them the Foundation’s Patron Ita Buttrose and professional photographer Rex Dupain, never fail to be impressed by the quality of the entries we receive. I encourage all Australians to submit a photo, along with a few words about why it represents the theme See My World.”