In 2008, with the support of funding partners, The RANZCO Eye Foundation conducted the Minum Barreng (‘tracking of eyes’) Indigenous Project.

The project led by ophthalmologist Professor Hugh Taylor, identified the extent and prevalence of eye disease among indigenous Australians to create a national picture with the view of finding more effective ways to treat and prevent eye disease in the indigenous population. It had been over 30 years since a targeted, national survey of indigenous eye health was undertaken in Australia.

Among the 2009 report’s key findings were that:

• Indigenous children are born with better eyesight than their non-Indigenous counterparts, but by the time they reach adulthood they are six times more likely to be blind and three times more likely to have low vision;
• Diabetic eye disease is the equal third cause of blindness;
• Overall, 37.4% of Indigenous adults reported having diabetes;
• Of indigenous people with diabetes only 20% have had an eye examination in the last year and overall 13% of those with diabetes have visual impairment;
• Regular screening and accessible laser facilities are required.

While diabetics are 25 times more likely to develop vision loss, 98% of severe vision loss from diabetes is preventable with timely treatment, regular eye exams and access to treatment. However in the more remote locations of Australia, this is not always possible and there is a general lack of awareness and education regarding the effects of diabetes on the eyes.

To improve access to eye care in the remote region of The Kimberley in Western Australia,  The RANZCO Eye Foundation, as principal fundraiser has made a  three-year commitment (2011-2013)  to provide seed funding for a Diabetic Eye Care Program across the Kimberley. The program will build on the existing framework and contribute to the strength and sustainability of eye health programs across the Kimberley.

By collaborating closely with the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council (KAMSC), Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (BRAMS), local optometrists and the country hospitals, the program aims to improve screening rates tenfold and make laser treatment more accessible.

RANZCO Eye Foundation Patron, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC, officially launched The Foundation’s support for the Kimberley Diabetic Eye Care Program by visiting the Broome clinic on 10 August 2011.

Funds Needed

With your help, we need to raise ongoing funds to support this project.

Medical Team

The program is led by Associate Professor Angus Turner. Angus is  Head of Indigenous and Remote Eye Health Unit at Lions Eye Institute and Assoc. Prof. at the University of Western Australia

Project Partners

Along with The RANZCO Eye Foundation, project partners for The Kimberley Diabetic Eye Care Program are The Lions Eye Institute, Pfizer Australia, the University of Western Australia and the Estate of the late Patricia  Ann Withof.

Contact Us

If you would like more information about this project please call us on 02 8394 5220 or email us at enquiries@eyefoundation.org.au To make a donation to support this project, click here.