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References for the key publications about the eye health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are listed here.
The Roadmap to close the gap for vision - full report was produced by the Indigenous Eye Health Unit at the University of Melbourne. This detailed report describes the research project Roadmap to close the gap for vision project, with an explanation of the findings and consultation process that led to the recommendations.
The overall aim of this review of health services provisions, was to was to develop a model of eye care for Indigenous Australians for presentation to the Australian Government. Forty-two recommendations across nine domains of activity are presented as a comprehensive package of policy reforms with the goal to 'close the gap for vision'. The nine domains present a broad outline of the recommendations:
Abstract adapted from Indigenous Eye Health Unit
This report summarises a study which determines the direct medical and associated non-medical costs of providing full access to eye care services for Indigenous people focusing on three main eye problems; cataract, refractive error, and diabetic retinopathy. Methods were developed in the study to estimate resources currently spent on these services and estimate what extra resources are needed to Close the gap for vision for Indigenous people for each state and territory in the next five years.
The report is part of a series produced by the Indigenous Eye Health Unit, University of Melbourne, following the National Indigenous eye health survey and Access to eye health services among Indigenous Australians reports.
Abstract adapted from the University of Melbourne
This report documents the history of Indigenous eye health policy-making in Australia from the late 1970s' National trachoma and eye health program to the present time, with the aim of providing evidence to assist the Australian Government and the Council of Australian Governments in the system reform of Indigenous eye health. By undertaking a review of literature in the area of Indigenous eye health, and interviewing key stakeholders, the report:
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
This report details the findings of the National Indigenous Eye Health Survey which was conducted in 2008 to define:
The survey was designed to plan and prioritise the effective delivery of eye care for Indigenous people. Overall 2,883 Indigenous people were examined. The report records the extent of eye health problems such as refractive error, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, blindness and trachoma.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Trachoma is a serious eye health condition affecting many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, particularly in some parts of the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. These guidelines establish a minimum best-practice approach for the public health management of trachoma. The content includes a brief history of trachoma and discusses: prevalence in Australia; responsibility for trachoma control activities; and methods of educating the health workforce and engaging the community.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The National framework for action to promote eye health and prevent avoidable blindness and vision loss (National eye health framework) was developed in response to World Health Assembly resolution WHA 56.26 which calls on all member countries to develop national vision plans to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020.
The National eye health framework aims to provide a blueprint for nationally coordinated action by governments, health professionals, non-government organisations, industry and individuals to work in partnership to reduce the incidence of avoidable vision loss in Australia. It does not focus on any one specific eye condition, but rather seeks to address the underlying issues common to the prevention and treatment of eye disease and vision loss in general. The Framework sets out strategies in the following key areas for action:
The Framework document is accompanied by a background paper entitled Eye health in Australia which provides background information about eye disease in Australia, including the prevalence of eye disease and injury, current treatment options and the economic and social impact of blindness and vision loss. It also provides an overview of the international and national policy context, information about the Australian eye health workforce, major eye health programs and services and related public health strategies.
Department of Health and Ageing abstract
The intention of the review was to determine the current state of the implementation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Program (NATSIEHP). The report includes the program background and a summary of progress since previous recommendations were made. Other details include: the main eye conditions affecting Indigenous people; data collections; service delivery (including specialist services); and the availability and utilisation of equipment. Further recommendations suggest options for integrating the NATSIEHP into the primary health sector.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The Specialist eye health guidelines for use in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations cover three eye health conditions common among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians:
They are based on a review of existing literature and practice, and provide information about the treatment and management of these conditions in rural and remote communities.
Although primarily for use by ophthalmologists, the guidelines are a reference for all eye health professionals working in primary health care settings, including:
Abstract adapted from the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Department of Health and Ageing
