Three optometrists have been recognised for their contribution to indigenous eye health but meeting a target to stamp out trachoma in Australia appears increasingly unlikely. Read more
Longer-acting implant may be better for Aboriginal DMO patients – study
A pioneering study out of Western Australia has shown that a longer acting intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX-implant) may lead to better outcomes in some Aboriginal patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) compared with the standard of care, anti-VEGF injections. Read more
Australian Eye and Ear Health Survey officially launched
About 5000 people are expected to participate in Australia’s first national survey combining ear and eye health, launched on 3 March to coincide with World Hearing Day. Read more
Self-determination central message in keynote speech from nation’s first Indigenous ophthalmologist
Australia’s first Indigenous ophthalmologist has reiterated the critical importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being central to solving the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people’s eye health, in an annual address hosted by Vision 2020 Australia. Read more
Trachoma program makes significant inroads to close the gap
Significant progress has been made to improve eyecare outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but service shortfalls and equity gaps remain, according to the 10th annual update on the Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision. Read more
IDEAS Van merges with St John Ambulance to tackle ‘tyranny of distance’
The IDEAS Van has joined forces with St John Ambulance Queensland, which will now operate the mobile ophthalmic facility across the state and in other regions. Read more
World-leading rates of youth-onset type 2 diabetes revealed in northern Australia
A new study of youth-onset type 2 diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people across northern Australia has uncovered what is arguably the highest prevalence reported in any youth population globally within the past 25 years. Read more
AIHW 2021 report shows Indigenous eye health heading in right direction
The Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (AIHW) has launched its Indigenous eye health measures 2021 report which Vision 2020 Australia says shows measurable progress towards improving the eye health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Read more
Trachoma storybook celebrates WA preventative efforts
Triumphant tales of community-based trachoma programs in Western Australia have featured in a newly launched storybook, highlighting the importance of primary prevention against the disease that predominantly affects Indigenous communities. Read more
Complimentary Jukurrpa Designs glasses to Bond Uni Indigenous students
The creator of a frames collection that showcases and directly supports the work of Aboriginal artists has partnered with Bond University to offer complimentary spectacles to all Indigenous students at the Gold Coast institute. Read more