Vision Initiative meets with Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)
15 November 2010Posted under Latest News
The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) was established in 1972 to address the specific medical needs of Aboriginal communities in Victoria. VAHS has expanded steadily over the past 30 years to provide a comprehensive range of medical, dental and social services for the community. As well as providing a variety of medical services, VAHS is committed to supporting the wellbeing of the community through contributions to community events and activities. VAHS is also committed to assisting research into the ongoing needs of the community.
In November 2010, the Vision Initiative joined the monthly meeting of Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) Managers to provide an overview of the program and current projects focused on Aboriginal eye health and vision care. Discussion was held on the improved Aboriginal Spectacle Subsidy Scheme in Victoria recently funded by the Victorian Department of Health and the new Aboriginal Patient Pathway Coordinator role at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. In addition a state wide coordinator role scheduled to commence in 2011 at the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) was discussed.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the eye health and vision care needs of Aboriginal communities identified by AMS managers, including access to prosthetic eye treatment and maintenance. The Vision Initiative was invited to provide information on Aboriginal eye health for inclusion in the January edition of the VAHS newsletter.
For more information about the Aboriginal Spectacle Subsidy Scheme contact the Australian College of Optometry on 03 9349 7400.