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.
Download resources
Patchy vision? Diabetes and your eyes (PDF)
Blurry vision? Refractive error (PDF)
$10 glasses for the community (PDF)
For more information
Indigenous Eye Health Unit (Melbourne University)
Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision Health
Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO)