Eye health service access reaches record high

According to the fourth annual report of the Indigenous eye health measures 2020 from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are accessing eye health services than ever before. The report provides an evidence base for monitoring changes in Indigenous eye health over time, access to and use of eye health services, and for identifying gaps in service delivery.

NACCHO Chair, Donnella Mills said, “What the AIHW report tells us is that more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are accessing eye health services and health assessments via the 715 Health Checks, the general health check-ups for our people.

“These improvements in eye health for our people is a reflection of the good work done by the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and proves the fact that culturally appropriate services deliver great results and needs to be supported.”

To view the NACCHO media statement in full click here.

Vision 2020’s media release AIHW data positive, but highlights work required to close the vision gap regarding the AIHW report can be accessed here.

Indigenous artist Peter Datjin. Image source: The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness website.