GMHBA celebrates JulEYE with tips, tools and eye-opening advice from Olympian turned optometrist

Published 02 Jul 2025

This July, GMHBA is getting behind JulEYE, a national eye health awareness initiative designed to shine a light on the importance of regular eye checks and caring for your vision.

JulEYE is about more than just eyesight, it's a reminder to prioritise your eye health, learn how to prevent avoidable vision problems, and support vital research into eye disease and blindness.

Dr Phoebe Kelly (nee Stanley), former Olympian rower and optometrist at GMHBA Eye Care, says JulEYE is the perfect time to book an eye test, especially if it’s been a while.

“Just like regular exercise, eye health needs to be part of your routine,” Dr Kelly said.

“A lot of vision problems are preventable, but many people don’t realise they have an issue until it starts to affect their quality of life. That’s why getting your eyes checked regularly is so important, early detection can make a huge difference.”

To help protect your vision this JulEYE, GMHBA Eye Care is encouraging Aussies to adopt two simple habits:

  • Use the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to look at something around six metres away. It’s a small change that can reduce eye strain from digital devices.
  • Wear sunglasses year-round: UV exposure is a major cause of eye damage. Wearing sunglasses (even on cloudy days) is one of the easiest ways to protect your eyes.

“We’re all spending more time on screens, whether it’s for work or leisure, and that can take a toll on your eyes,” Dr Kelly said. “Taking regular breaks, limiting glare, and wearing sunglasses outdoors can go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy for the long term.”

If you’re curious about your eye health, visit your local GMHBA Eye Care store.

With three locations in Geelong and one in Ballarat, GMHBA Eye Care is now even more accessible to members and patients.

“You don’t have to be a GMHBA member to book an appointment,” added Dr Kelly. “We’re here to help everyone in the community take better care of their eyes.” ·

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