Flinders University will direct $1.4 million in new Federal Government funding towards increased screening and improving treatment options for diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among Aboriginal Australians. Read more
‘Don’t forget’ Indigenous eye health in elective surgery return, advocates warn
The Fred Hollows Foundation and Australia’s only Indigenous ophthalmologist are calling for governments to prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health when elective surgery resumes amid concerns over a cataract surgery backlog. Read more
Lions Outback Vision faces funding conundrum for urgent chartered flights
Lions Outback Vision is concerned about losing traction on its ‘Close the Gap’ efforts after the COVID-19 emergency curtailed its Vision Van and Visiting Optometrist Services, leaving the organisation to treat only urgent cases through costly chartered flights. Read more
First Doctor of Optometry course announced for WA
The University of Western Australia (UWA) has announced a new three-year postgraduate Doctor of Optometry program, which will begin in 2021 and have an initial intake of up to 60 students. Read more
Linking patients with Indigenous artists
Late last year I launched Jukurrpa Designs, a collection of frames inspired by Australian Aboriginal Artwork. The feedback I’ve received on the designs has been fantastic so far, but getting to this point was a very long journey. Read more
Anti-inflammatory eye drops added to PBS for Indigenous patients
Prednefrin Forte eye drops can now be prescribed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for certain cases of severe eye inflammation. Read more
Lack of funding for non-clinical support revealed in Indigenous eye health review
A new Indigenous eye health study has recommended greater financial backing for non-clinical support providers, a critical factor that has been linked to improved patient appointment attendance.
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Australia-first eye clinic for Indigenous patients
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) has joined forces with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) to launch Australia’s first specialist eye clinic within a community-controlled organisation. Read more
Australian Society of Ophthalmologists demands apology over ‘defamatory’ IRIS claims
The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) has defended the organisation that was awarded a $2.2 million government contract to perform cataract procedures in Indigenous communities amid accusations it was charging double the market rate. Read more
New range of frames highlights the work of indigenous artists
A new collection of frames that showcases and directly supports the work of Australian Indigenous artists has been released on a national scale. Read more