Indigenous communities of Central Australia have received sight-restoring surgery in a week long blitz in April last at the Alice Springs Hospital.
About 50 patients benefited from the eye surgery intensive, the ninth intensive eye surgery week that’s occurred in Central Australia since 2007.
According to the Minister for Indigenous Health, Mr. Warren Snowdon, this has resulted in a total of 416 procedures due to the work of the collaborating partners of the Central Australian and Barkly Integrated Eye Health Strategy.
The Australian Government has committed more than AUD$600,000 to the strategy since 2006 and will contribute more than AUD$450,000 over the next three years. The Government has signed a historic statement of collaboration with The Fred Hollows Foundation, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation and the Northern Territory, to show its ongoing commitment.
The integrated eye health service delivery model will ensure there is a one-stop shop for eye care from screening and treatment, right through to follow up.
Mr. Snowdon also announced the first of many agreements with States and Territories to tackle trachoma in Indigenous communities will be rolled out. The Federal Government has agreed to provide almost AUD$1.7 million to expand WA’s programs to prevent and control trachoma so that more than 85 communities can be screened and treated for trachoma.
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