Eye health resources

Vision 2020 Australia (through the Vision Initiative program) has worked with many partner organisations to develop a range of resources designed to respond to the needs of health and allied health professionals.

Resources are available to view and download below or print copies can be ordered via the online store. Note: free resources are only available for deliveries in Victoria.

All professionals are welcome to use these resources as part of their day-to-day work, for their own training or to provide information to patients/clients.

Resources available include:

  • A Guide on eye health for primary healthcare providers – A booklet developed to provide background information on eye health and eye care services for primary care practices and pharmacies.
  • A poster and brochure available in 11 languages – View and order them via the online store.
  • Videos explaining what happens during an eye test in 11 languages (see pages in this section).
  • A range of patient information sheets available in PDF, Word and audio formats. View and download them via the pages in this section. You can also order print copies via the online store.

Translated Resources

Resources for Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander people

People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background may be more at risk of developing an eye condition.

The prevalence of vision impairment and blindness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is three times that of other Australians.

High rates of smoking and diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people means they are more at risk of developing cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. In addition, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may also be less likely to have access to a GP or eye health professional.

The good news is that most blindness and vision loss is preventable or treatable, if detected early.

It is important that people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent have regular eye tests with an eye health professional. Patients with diabetes should have an eye test once a year or as recommended by their eye health professional.

The Victorian Aboriginal Subsidised Spectacles Scheme (VASSS) is a low cost spectacle scheme available for people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Victoria through participating optometrists. For more information, visit website of the Australian College of Optometry.

For more information

Indigenous Eye Health Unit (Melbourne University)

InfoNet 

Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision Health 

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO)