The School of Optometry has undertaken several studies examining the provision of optometric services to Indigenous communities throughout Australia.
- 1996 Survey of service provision by Queensland optometrists to indigenous communities (reference 1). Optometrists were found to be providing some level of regular primary eye care to indigenous communities over many years, including a significant number of remote and rural locations
- 1996 Survey of selected Indigenous communities across Queensland regarding the availability and utilisation of primary eye care. Cultural barriers along with availability and understanding of eye care were shown to be major issues (reference 2)
- 1998 Development of a culturally appropriate visual acuity chart (Turtle Chart). Validation of testing procedures was undertaken and published (reference 3)
- 1999 Large scale national survey of the service provision of optometrists to Indigenous communities has been completed and is currently being analysed. The aim of this study is to determine the level and characteristics of current servicing and to identify those who would be willing to provide a service.
Resources for Indigenous Eye Care
Following from research done in the area, the School of Optometry has developed a range of culturally appropriate brochures, posters and stickers promoting to Indigenous communities the importance of regular eye care.
Other resources have also been developed for Indigenous communities:
- Culturally appropriate video and brochures describing what happens in a diabetes eye exam (to be used by Indigenous health workers in the community)
- Culturally appropriate visual acuity charts (Turtle Chart)
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Download a copy of the QUT School of Optometry Eye Care Resources brochure (PDF, 328 KB). An order form is included in the brochure. To view this file, you will need a copy of Adobe® Reader®. This program may be downloaded free from Adobe®.
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Training
- Pilot scheme to train indigenous health workers regarding the complications of diabetes in the eyes. Lecture and workshop format which resulted from close consultation with the indigenous community, School of Public Health and School of Optometry, QUT.
- Audioteleconferences to optometrists throughout Australia covering common eye and systemic health problems in indigenous communities, cultural issues and management strategies for better professional relationships with the community
References
- Wood JM, Wildsoet CF. (1996) Optometric services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Queensland. Clin Exp Optom, 79: 215-226.
- Wildsoet CF, Wood JM. (1996) Primary eye care needs and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations across Queensland: a "users" perspective. Clin Exp Optom, 79: 188-201.
- Wildsoet CF, Wood JM, Hassan S. (1998) Development and validation
of a visual acuity chart for Australian Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. Optom Vis Sci. 75: 806-812.