The Western Murrumbidgee LHD Indigenous Eye Care Project continues to achieve significant milestones in advancing eye care in regional communities. The latest training trip was a resounding success, marked by the inspiring enthusiasm of Aboriginal Health Workers from Griffith and surrounding centres. The ability to implement the training locally while strengthening the capacity to deliver care is a standout feature of the program.
Since receiving ANZEF Grant Round funding in 2023, the project has delivered two impactful training sessions for Registered Nurses, General Practitioners, and Aboriginal Health Workers, with a third session scheduled for early 2025. These sessions have been instrumental in equipping healthcare workers with the skills needed to provide quality eye care in their communities.
Participant Feedback
The training’s impact has been underscored by positive feedback from participants:
The personal impact of the program was also beautifully captured by the mother of a health worker, who shared with the team how participating in the training has helped her daughter “shine”.
Project Recognition and Future Plans
The project was recently featured in the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists ASO Bulletin, where Associate Professor Geoffrey Painter emphasised the importance of ongoing training for Aboriginal Health Workers and local medical professionals; and how the recent donation of a portable retinal camera by Turramurra and Griffith Rotary Clubs will enable the program to expand its diabetic retinopathy screening efforts. Read the full article on ASO’s website.
“Our vision is to create a sustainable model for regional eye care,” said A/Prof Painter.
A/Prof Painter and his team also presented a poster on the project at the 2024 RANZCO Annual Scientific Congress last month, titled “A passport to better health; eye care in the Western Murrumbidgee Local Health District”.
“This project demonstrates how collaboration among healthcare providers, governments, and community organisations can lead to lasting improvements in health outcomes.”
The Griffith Ophthalmology Project exemplifies how targeted training and ongoing community engagement lead to lasting change.
Poster co-authors (L-R): Dr Georgina Kourt, Dr Sophia Moshegov, Kerrie Legg and A/Prof Geoffrey Painter AM
ANZEF is the philanthropic arm of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).
RANZCO is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Charities Services in New Zealand (registration no: CC53935).
Charity donations to ANZEF of $2 or more in Australia and $5 or more in New Zealand are tax-deductible.
ANZEF acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters throughout the world, and to their Elders and ancestors, past and present.
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