Strengthening Aboriginal Eye Health: A Community-Driven Approach

Sarah Haynes at work. Image: Fred Hollows Foundation via National Indigenous Times

The importance of eye health extends beyond vision—it is integral to education, independence, and overall wellbeing. In a recent article, Closing the Gap in Aboriginal Eye Health: A Nurse’s Vision of Change, Noongar/Njamal nurse Sarah Haynes highlights the critical role of culturally safe, community-led care in addressing disparities in Aboriginal eye health.

In alignment with this vision, the University Department of Rural Health South West (UDRH SW), part of Edith Cowan University, in partnership with the South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS), the University of Western Australia (UWA), the Fred Hollows Foundation and Zeiss is committed to enhancing eye care services for Aboriginal communities across the region. This commitment has led to the establishment of a dedicated eye health clinic in  Bunbury, officially launched in late 2024.

“The clinic has already seen a profound impact on our community, treating over 300 clients and offering essential services, including dilated diabetic retinopathy examinations, red-eye treatments, and spectacle prescriptions. These interventions have prevented blindness and improved overall health outcomes for individuals with complex conditions like diabetic macular oedema or advanced cataracts. The clinic provides timely referrals to tertiary care, ensuring a seamless healthcare experience for our clients.” – Sarah Hayes via National Indigenous Times

Operating under a hub-and-spoke model, the clinic integrates eye care within an  Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, ensuring that services are culturally responsive and embedded within holistic primary healthcare. This model was developed in direct response to community needs, demonstrating the power of local leadership in shaping effective healthcare solutions.

A key pillar of this initiative is the development of a skilled rural healthcare workforce. UWA Optometry students undertake placements at the clinic, supported by UDRH SW, where they gain hands-on experience in both clinical practice and cultural competence. The presence of an on-site academic clinician, jointly employed by UWA and UDRH SW, strengthens training opportunities while reinforcing the clinic’s sustainability. Over 20 final-year optometry students have successfully completed their placement at the SWAMS eye clinic.

This collaborative effort embodies UDRH SW’s dedication to rural innovation, cultural respect, and professional empowerment. By fostering strong community connections and investing in future healthcare professionals, UDRH SW, SWAMS, and UWA are actively working to close the gap in Aboriginal eye health and ensure long-term, community-led solutions.

Through these initiatives, we continue our commitment to a healthier, more equitable future for Aboriginal communities in the South West.