Identifying the extent and prevalence of eye diseases among indigenous Australians.

This project is the first of the four priorty research projects seed-funded by The Eye Foundation to be completed. It had been more than 30 years since a national survey of indigenous eye health was taken. The National Indigenous Eye Health Survey (Minum Barreng Project) provided a national picture of the extent of eye disease in indigenous communites. The results of the survey were launched in September 2008 by Eye Foundation Patron Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia. The full report is available here.

Achievements

The data collection for the national survey was completed in December 2007. Response rates were good and recruitment was more successful in remote and very remote areas due to the community constructs. Recruitment was more difficult in urban areas as there were less defined community groups and people were more dispersed. All adults completed the protocol, with ~5% requiring dilation to obtain fundus photographs with the non-mydriatic camera. All children have successfully completed the protocol and notably, all have successfully had their visual acuity assessed using the simplified E-chart. Critically, the rapid assessment protocol can quickly and effectively detect the common causes of visual impairment and blindness in indigenous peoples.

Funds Provided

With your help, we provided over $400,000 for this two-year project.

Medical Team

The National Indigenous Eye Health Survey team is led by Prof Hugh Taylor AC and A/Prof Jill Keeffe, and includes A/Prof Ian McAllister, Dr Bill Glasson, Dr Mark Loane, Dr Tim Henderson, Dr Robert Casson, Dr Richard Mills, Dr Nigel Morlet, Dr Garry Brian, Dr Richard Rawson, Dr David Moran, Amanda Davis, and Rowan Churchill.

Project Partners

The National Indigenous Eye Health Survey combines the experience and expertise of many of Australia’s leading research institutions, indigenous community health workers, and ophthalmic professionals.  Project partners include the Centre for Eye Research Australia, the International Centre for Eyecare Education, Vision Cooperative Research Centre, Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health, the Fred Hollows Foundation, Lions Eye Institute and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aging.