ANZEF Grant Round 2024 Recipient

Our Vision Our Way: Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership of the next National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Plan

Led by Lose Fonua, First Nations Eye Health Alliance – AUD$50,000

Project location: Australia

The planning for and the provision of quality eye health care services are essential to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. With the retirement of two key policy documents: The Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision and the 2019-2024 Strong Eyes Strong Communities strategy, a new National First Nations eye health plan is needed that can strengthen the collective work of the sector to meet the evolving eye health needs Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye people and community now and into the future.

This project will involve undertaking strategic leadership activities aimed at supporting and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership of the next National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health plan. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership of the development of this plan is crucial to ensure the plan is accessible, culturally appropriate and effective at responding to the challenges of systemic and structural barriers to accessing health care for First Nations people.

The funding received from ANZEF will also be used to support The First Nations Eye Health Alliance with the necessary infrastructure to undertake consultation and engagement activities with sector members and key stakeholders. Consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is an essential part of the project and will help to collect and synthesise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and vision care perspectives, allowing them to be integrated in service planning and delivery.