The Vision Initiative

The Vision Initiative is the Victorian Government’s public health response to the National Framework for Action to Promote Eye Health and Prevent Avoidable Blindness and Vision Loss (National Framework).

The Vision Initiative program aims to raise awareness of eye health and vision care to the general community and to health care professionals.

The key objectives are to:

• increase the awareness and knowledge of target population groups about the importance of preventative activity and regular eye examinations
• improve the understanding and awareness of health and community professionals of eye health and vision issues and referral pathways
• ensure a platform for collaboration and sustainable partnerships between Victorian eye health and vision care providers, government and other organisations.

Vision 2020 Australia would like to acknowledge the Victorian Department of Health for funding the Vision Initiative.

Vision Initiative Steering Committee

The Vision Initiative Steering Committee comprises representatives from organisations within the eye care and health sector across Victoria. The Steering Committee provides direction to Vision 2020 Australia about the implementation of the Vision Initiative program.

Representatives on the Vision Initiative Steering Committee include:

• Australian College of Optometry
• Centre for Eye Research Australia
• Deakin University
• Diabetes Australia Victoria
• Guide Dogs Victoria/NSW
• Optometrists Association Australia Victoria
• Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
• SunSmart
• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
• Victorian Department of Health
• Vision 2020 Australia
• Vision Australia

Vision 2020 Australia manages the Vision Initiative on behalf of the Victorian Department of Health.

What is Vision 2020 Australia?

Established in October 2000, Vision 2020 Australia is part of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, a global initiative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).

As the national peak body for the eye health and vision care sector, Vision 2020 Australia represents 60 member organisations involved in: local and global eye care; health promotion; low vision support; vision rehabilitation; eye research; professional assistance; and community support.

Vision 2020 Australia played a pivotal role in the development of the National Framework.