Mobile eye clinic closing eye health gap

The Lions Eye Institute (LEI) launched the mobile eye-health clinic with the goal of bringing comprehensive optometry and ophthalmology care for cataracts, refractive error, trachoma, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy to Western Australia’s most isolated communities.{{quote-A:R-W:450-Q: The LOVV is said to be fitted with state-of-the-art ocular imaging and laser equipment and staffed by specialists experienced in rural and rote healthcare. }}According to LEI, vision disorders are a common and growing probl in WA, resulting in significant economic, social and quality of life impacts. In rote WA, specialist coverage is up to 19 times lower than in urban Australia, and rural residents are three times less likely to have seen an ophthalmologist.The LOVV is said to be fitted with state-of-the-art ocular imaging and laser equipment and staffed by specialists experienced in rural and rote healthcare.As of 13 October (World Sight Day), the LOVV had visited 16 communities throughout WA, run 75 clinics, and treated almost 1,500 patients, 661 of which were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.“The van and its team have provided care using equipment that exceeds some tertiary hospital facilities and has prevented patients having to travel to the city for the gold standard care,” Lions Outback Vision McCusker director Associate Professor Angus Turner said.“It has worked closely with Aboriginal Medical Service sites and integrated with existing health facilities where larger surgery procedures have been required. “While it is early days, the LOVV model appears to be delivering on its goal and leading to greater equity of access to specialist eye-health services for regional and rote Western Australians.”