Why is it that mainstream media continues to focus our attention on the negatives of life when there is so much to be positive about?
Wouldn’t we all enjoy much better mental health if the commentary we are subjected to, day in and day out, was at least a balance of good and bad?
In late May, I was fortunate to attend the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference in Darwin, a conference led by Indigenous leaders from around Australia.
While it was overwhelming to hear about the health care challenges being faced by Australia’s First Nations People, it was genuinely inspiring to hear about work on the ground to drive change. Indigenous leaders are actively working to embed self-determined long-term, sustainable solutions for their communities – from campaigns to improve hygiene and housing through to vocational and academic projects that will see more young Indigenous people trained to work in allied health, optometry and ophthalmology.
Yes, it’s been far too long coming. However, with the support of non-Indigenous allies, a new Government, and progress to achieve a constitutionally enshrined voice to parliament, change will come.
Elsewhere on the positive news front, for this issue Emily Gibbs spoke to optometrists working at the Australian College of Optometry to learn about the variety of roles on offer and the rewards of working to deliver equity in eye care. I spoke to optometrists who have moved from cities into regional areas of Australia and New Zealand to find out about the opportunities these lifestyle changes have presented.
I hope you enjoy this issue.
