Brought to you by Specsavers Last month, we received our reminder letter to go in and get our eyes checked. It had been 12 months since our last test and so we made our appointments and went in to our local optometrist. Even though we’d love to wear glasses and spent a while trying on different frames (for fun), Amelia and I were given the all clear. My son and husband are optically challenged (is that even a word?) and did get to choose new glasses. As we are entitled to a new pair of glasses each year through our health fund, Sam got a second pair and now has a pair at school and a pair for home. Husband chose some prescription sunglasses and knows that he’ll get in trouble if he loses these ones (like he seems to do with all of his other sunglasses). How is your eye health? Have you had your eyes checked recently? May 24 to May 30 is Macular Degeneration awareness week and Specsavers are encouraging us all to go and get our eyes tested. MD is relatively simple to detect with a macula exam and the use of Digital Retinal Photography (DRP) that helps optometrists detect the early signs of MD. DRP is offered free of charge at all Specsavers stores as part of every standard eye test, and uses sophisticated equipment to produce a high resolution photograph of the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels. Although there is no cure for MD, there are a number of treatments than can slow down its progression. The earlier the disease is detected, the more vision an MD sufferer is likely to retain. Specsavers has teamed up with leading dietician and nutritionist, Susie Burrell, to create a healthy MD busting ‘Bliss Balls for your Eye Balls’ recipe that utilises ingredients rich in a number of vitamins, such as Vit A and Vit E, along with a host of antioxidants that are proven to be good for the eyes and are key in the battle against MD. Bliss Balls for your Eye Balls recipe: Makes 12 Ingredients ● 175g mixed nut/seed spread ● Approx 10 dates ● 1/2 cup dried blueberries ● 1/2 cup dried cranberries ● 1/3 cup pepitas ● 2 tbsp honey ● 1/2 tsp vanilla essence ● Coconut for rolling Method 1. Place all ingredients (excluding coconut) in a food processor and blend to combine. 2. Using a tablespoon, roll into balls. 3. Roll in coconut then place in the fridge for up to an hour to firm up. To encourage Samelia’s Mum readers to have their eyes checked this Macular Degeneration awareness week, Specsavers are giving three lucky readers the chance to win a Specsavers voucher for two complementary pairs of designer glasses. To have the chance to win a Specsavers voucher all you need to do is describe to me what your dream glasses frames would look like. Inconspicuous and barely there OR daring with bright, bold frames and a bit of bling? This giveaway will also be posted on the Samelia's Mum Facebook Page, so for an extra chance to win, visit me there and look for the Specsavers post. PS. Did you see Maggie Beer's frames last night on Masterchef? Hot pink and purple. Loved them! GIVEAWAY CLOSED - WINNERS: Outback Crafter, Lianne and Patchwork & Play Terms and Conditions: This is a game of skill. Giveaway is open to Australian Residents ONLY. Giveaway will close on Friday, 29 May 2015 at 17:00 AEST. The prize will be sent by the promoter/s. Samelia’s Mum will take no responsibility for any delay, loss or damage to prizes sent to winner. Winner/s will be announced on the Samelia's Mum Facebook page and/or contacted by email. The winner has 7 days to claim the prize. If it is not claimed within this time period, it will be forfeited.