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Outreach supports eye health promotion in Peak Hill
9th October 2024
Senior Project Officer for the Western NSW Eye Health Partnership (WEHP), Jess Rae, visited Peak Hill Aboriginal Medical Service (PHAMS) in August to conduct an eye health promotion day for the women’s group, held at the local community hall, called 'Well Ways'.
This event was made possible through coordinated funding from the Western NSW Eye Health Partnership, the Fred Hollows Foundation, and the Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS).
Jess, a specialist ophthalmic nurse, provided general eye health education to the group, including the importance of regular eye checks at local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) or other healthcare providers. She discussed the negative effects of diabetes and smoking on eye health, as well as what it means to have a cataract or glaucoma.
It was highlighted that 9 out of 10 cases of blindness are preventable, and that people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background may be more at risk of developing eye conditions. The prevalence of vision impairment and blindness amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is three times that of other Australians. The good news is that most blindness and vision impairment is preventable or treatable, if detected early.
The session also covered some myth busting and discussed what happens during an eye test and that the process is easy and painless. Participants felt more reassured and confident to take control of their eye health, many making appointments to see the visiting optometrist the next day.
Participants were given a pair of sunglasses, a hard glasses case and a pamphlet with contact details. The session ended with participants sharing personal reasons for keeping their eyes healthy.
Francis, a transport driver at the AMS for almost 20 years said, “I need to keep my eyes healthy, or how will our people get to their appointments if I don’t take care of myself?” Participants requested the session be repeated every 6-12 months as they had learned so much!
The day ended with a healthy sugars cooking class with the diabetes educator, complementing the eye health education well.
About WEHP
The Western NSW Eye Health Partnership (WEHP) is a collaboration between Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS), the Local Health District and Primary Health Network, and other NGOs in the region. It is aimed at increasing access to eye health services and enhancing vision and eye health for Aboriginal people in Western NSW. This Partnership is funded by the Fred Hollows Foundation and administered by RDN, who also administer the Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS) and other Outreach programs funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
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