The roadmap to close the gap for vision: summary report

by Taylor HR, Boudville A, Anjou M, McNeil R

Abstract

This report is the third part in a series produced by the Indigenous Eye Health Unit at the University of Melbourne, following from the National Indigenous eye health survey report and Access to eye health services among Indigenous Australians. The report makes important recommendations for policy change in eye and vision health across all levels of government in Australia. Each policy recommendation is explained, all possible outcomes are explored, and costings presented clearly. There is also a 'recommendation implementation map' with a timeline for actioning of each recommendation.

Importantly, the report dispels some common myths about Indigenous eye and vision health: poor vision and blindness are the third leading cause of the health gap among Indigenous populations (after cardiovascular disease and diabetes) and increase mortality rates 2.6 times, much of it due to increased risk of injury. Indigenous Australian adults have blindness rates six times the rate of the mainstream; and, although 94% of vision loss is preventable and treatable, 35% of all adults have never had an eye exam. This report represents an important contribution to policy debates.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Links

• View report: The roadmap to close the gap for vision: summary report (PDF - 2.9 MB)
• View information: The roadmap to close the gap for vision: full report
• View website: Indigenous Eye Health Unit, the University of Melbourne