Scare mongering by the Opthalmologist association again

iceman (Mike) · #1 07-11-2012, 07:21 AM

Terrible headline, linked from the homepage of the Courier Mail:
"SOLAR SPECS SLAMMED
Eye experts are warning people against using any solar glasses to watch next week's total solar eclipse"

Article

At least Terry Cuttle got to have the last say.

Shark Bait (Stu) · #2 07-11-2012, 10:24 AM

The Opthalmologist Association has taken an absolute approach to the solar viewing issue.

Terry Cuttle was a least given a chance to balance their point of view but I am guessing his comments were modified by the editorial staff at the paper. Only one short paragraph?

It is a pity that more input from the Astronomical Association of QLD was not sourced. No doubt the debate will continue and the media will put up any headline that will grab the attention of the masses.

Barrykgerdes · #3 07-11-2012, 10:35 AM

Is it?

We as people who know the problems of viewing the sun through cheap darkenned glasses will most likely have approved glasses and just glance carefully. However what about the uninformed who get cheap stuff and gaze steadily for a long time. They are certainly puting their eyes at risk.

Barry

DavidTrap (David) · #4 07-11-2012, 10:43 AM

Mike - I'm happy your glasses are safe after reading the blurb about them on the pages for the IIS shop.

I'm confident that you would have researched them before placing a large order.

I've been giving them to friends with kids, encouraging them to show their kids the partial eclipse from Brisbane. I've also given them some information about "solar safety", based on Joe & Terry's papers.

IMHO, I think the society is "offended" they weren't asked for their opinion.

DT

Steffen · #5 07-11-2012, 11:06 AM

All I see is a lot of handwaving but no explanation as to why the solar filter glasses are supposedly unsafe. Of course, someone walking to the eye doctor with damaged retinas from looking directly or using sunglasses would say "I wore protective glasses all the time…", that's not trustworthy evidence.

That said, are there any IIS glasses left for purchase and delivery before the eclipse?

Cheers
Steffen.

iceman (Mike) · #6 07-11-2012, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidTrap

Mike - I'm happy your glasses are safe after reading the blurb about them on the pages for the IIS shop.

I'm confident that you would have researched them before placing a large order.

I've been giving them to friends with kids, encouraging them to show their kids the partial eclipse from Brisbane. I've also given them some information about "solar safety", based on Joe & Terry's papers.

IMHO, I think the society is "offended" they weren't asked for their opinion.

DT

I'll be using them myself, and my kids and wife will be using them.
I wouldn't sell them if I thought they were unsafe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steffen

That said, are there any IIS glasses left for purchase and delivery before the eclipse?

Cheers
Steffen.

Unfortunately not, I sold out last night. I'm directing people to Astrovisuals now, who can still send express so you get them in time.

iceman (Mike) · #7 08-11-2012, 04:30 PM

This has gotten worse.

Some schools have now been directed NOT to let their kids use solar eclipse glasses because of the article in the newspaper and because of the Opthamoligists association.

I've just had a school want to return the solar eclipse glasses they bought off me (and get a refund) because they now can't use them (legally) and have no use for them.

So now kids are going to miss out on witnessing it.

Nanny state.

Astrovisuals · #8 08-11-2012, 04:51 PM

Glasses are made in the USA! You'd think the manufacturer over there would have been sued by now! Ridiculous aversion to extremely slight risk (and then only if they were badly damaged or if they fell off) for the benefit of seeing one of nature's great events!

TrevorW · #9 08-11-2012, 05:10 PM

It's all about public liability and duty of care, it would only take one child to have their eyes damaged vis the use of these solar glasses, supported by the school to open a can of worms.

sheeny (Al) · #10 08-11-2012, 05:12 PM

iceman (Mike) · #11 08-11-2012, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrevorW

It's all about public liability and duty of care, it would only take one child to have their eyes damaged vis the use of these solar glasses, supported by the school to open a can of worms.

Exactly right - ruin for everyone for the risk that something might happen.

We become so risk averse that we don't let the kids experience anything.

I'll be using the glasses.
I'll be letting my kids use the glasses.

strongmanmike (Michael) · #12 08-11-2012, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

Exactly right - ruin for everyone for the risk that something might happen.

We become so risk averse that we don't let the kids experience anything.

I'll be using the glasses.
I'll be letting my kids use the glasses.

And I'll be using mine! Harumph!

...in Canberra though DOH!

Mike

Shark Bait (Stu) · #13 08-11-2012, 05:58 PM

I will be heading up to Mt Coot-tha on Wednesday morning to observe and photograph the eclipse through my solar filtered telescope.
.
I will find Dr Rowan Porter's contact details and send an invitation for him to join me.

.
I might even post him a pair of solar shades, after all, it was he who wrote in his article that CE approved items should be used if we are still set on observing the eclipse.

Steffen · #14 08-11-2012, 06:08 PM

Luckily, most of the eclipse occurs before school starts. Whether permitting I'll be taking my kids up the hill for some pre-school eclipse viewing.

Cheers
Steffen.

brian nordstrom (As avatar) · #15 08-11-2012, 07:21 PM

Yep the same scare mongering article was in todays Northern Territory News ,,, Ahhhhh !
Every one at work had to ask me ,, Brian is this right ?
Brian.

Merlin66 (Ken) · #16 08-11-2012, 08:04 PM

Guys,
I'm involved in safe solar observing.
We have been investigating the ACTUAL incidents of accidental loss of eyesight while using solar glasses and/or telescopes and solar filters (white light and Ha etc)
The investigations have been going on for over the last year or so, involved opthalmatists (checking their text books and references etc) and amateur astronomers all around the world.
We have found NO evidence of "hundreds of Indian children blinded by looking at the recent solar eclipses" infact we have been unable to find even ONE documented case of significant loss of sight due to either glasses or accidental solar observing. Not ONE!
I'm not saying it's impossible, but based on the evidence to date I'd have to say very, very improbable.
If anyone wants to share/ obtain this data please feel free to refer others to me - either a PM or by email
kenm(dot)harrison(at)gmail(dot)com.

venus (Lydia) · #17 08-11-2012, 10:11 PM

My family will be using ISS glasses and common sense would say that you don't keep staring at the Sun just have a few glimpses every now and then and don't look at all without them on...

Lee · #18 09-11-2012, 10:13 AM

Ophthalmologists..... show pony doctors!

(rich show ponies!)

danielsun · #19 09-11-2012, 12:00 PM

I bought some for myself and my kids.
That's a shame that a lot of kids will miss out on a rare opportunity because of this.

MortonH · #20 09-11-2012, 01:10 PM

Can understand the school not wanting to risk a law suit but it's a shame. Hopefully the parents will be more sensible since the eclipse happens before school time.

No way would I be refunding the school's money for the specs. It was up to them to do their research before buying.