Once again, OCULUS brought the 'Vision Olympics' to the German Down Syndrome Sports Festival in Wetzlar.
Participants had the opportunity to have their vision tested and receive a brief screening of the anterior segment of their eyes. This year, the OCULUS team of five received additional support from Christian Kochniss, owner and optician at 'Augenoptiker am Dom' in Wetzlar. Mr Kochniss expressed interest in playing an active role in the campaign after witnessing the event last year.
A total of 50 athletes with Down syndrome, between the ages of 6 and 37 years old, took part in this year’s Vision Olympics. Even amongst the high energy of a sports festival, participants were curious about the vision testing stations, with many finding it helpful to watch how others received their eye examinations before trying themselves. The competitive spirit of the Vision Olympics even encouraged some to have their eyes tested for the first time in their lives. Screening of the anterior segment of the eye with the Pentacam® AXL Wave revealed abnormalities in 22 athletes that require closer monitoring.
“Our goal is to raise awareness,” explains Amelie Neubert, Head of OCULUS Akademie, “and stress the importance of regular eye examinations for people with Down syndrome. We strive to provide all athletes with the best possible support for good vision, with the same enthusiasm and dedication with which the athletes approached the challenges at the event.”
OCULUS plans to support the German Down Syndrome Sports Festival again next year, underlining the company’s commitment to social engagement and promoting the best possible vision in sport.
