Summary
These reports bring together the latest available data on the 22 eye health measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people with ongoing data collections. The data for these measures provide information on:
- the prevalence and causes of vision loss and blindness
- detection and screening of eye diseases and vision problems
- eye health treatment services
- the eye health workforce and outreach and other programs.
During the reporting years, there have been notable improvements in:
- trachoma prevalence in at-risk First Nations communities
- annual health assessments for First Nations people and health assessments for First Nations people with an initial eye examination
- eye examinations by an eye health professional
- rates of screening for diabetic retinopathy
- hospitalisations for cataract surgery
- the number and full-time equivalent (FTE) rates of optometrists
- occasions of service provided under the Visiting Optometrist Scheme and the Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program.
Waiting times for elective cataract surgery appear to have worsened as waiting times have increased.
Introduction
- How do eye health problems affect Indigenous Australians?
- How common is vision impairment and blindness?
- Self-reported eye or sight problems
- How are eye health problems identified?
- Health assessments
- Eye examinations
- Eye screening for people with diabetes
- How are eye health problems treated?
- Hospitalisations for diseases and injuries of the eye
- Cataract surgery
- Treatment for diabetic retinopathy
- Subsidised spectacles
- Impacts of COVID-19
- Trachoma
- How common is trachoma?
- Trachoma screening and treatment
- Trachoma-related trichiasis
- What is the size and location of the eye health workforce?
- Optometrists
- Ophthalmologists
- What support is provided through outreach and other programs?
- Services provided
End matter: References