The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) has pledged its support for the Close the Gap campaign and called on government to commit funding, provide long term resources, invest in partnerships and address critical social issues that can make a real difference.
“RANZCO’s Reconciliation Action Plan framework commits us to activities towards achieving equitable access and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are continuing to build collaborative partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the health sector, seeking to further enhance our organisation’s cultural awareness and cultural safety practices. Our commitment to increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ophthalmologists in Australia is stronger than ever,” said RANZCO CEO David Andrews.
RANZCO’s Reconciliation Action Plan framework commits us to activities towards achieving equitable access and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
RANZCO has developed measures to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors to enrol in its vocational training program. These include scholarships for doctors to attend training and participation in conferences and workshops organised for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
RANZCO appreciates the challenges that arise with delivering appropriate and effective health care to communities and supports a genuine partnership approach to work with government and communities to enhance service delivery, strengthen regional networks and support Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to further embed eye care in their service delivery models.
RANZCO calls on the government to:
• Commit funding to support the implementation of Strong Eyes, Strong Communities, a five-year plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and vision 2019-24;
• Commit to providing adequate and long-term financial resources to achieve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equality;
• Invest in real partnerships, including increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and control around health service delivery; and
• Address critical social issues of housing, education and self-determination that contribute to the health crisis affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
RANZCO is proud to have signed the Close the Gap Pledge and will continue to work towards improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and to close the gap in eye health.