Transforming Indigenous eyecare
In some parts of Queensland, one in three school children exhibits undetected vision problems. In rural areas, the situation is even more dire, with four in five children who need spectacles not having access to them.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, we are already making a dent in these staggering statistics. Funds raised on QUT Giving Day have been put to work immediately – the $21,615 raised is already providing much-needed resources to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through provision of school-based optometry services.
The funds were used to purchase 450+ pairs of sunglasses for First Nations children attending vision and eye health assessments. These sunglasses will protect their eyes from the sun's harmful rays and help to reduce glare making it easier for children to play outside.
In addition, the QUT team has worked with high school art students to create eye health promotional stickers. These stickers are given to children attending vision screenings and eye tests at school or health services and encourage children to get their eyes tested and wear glasses if needed.
Most importantly, the funds have been used to purchase prescription glasses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. With access to these glasses, children can see clearly, which supports engagement with classroom activities, school, and life.
The sunglasses and prescription glasses have been provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children when attending optometry clinics at their school or visiting the optometrist at their local Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Service. Across the South Burnett and Logan regions, the QUT Optometry Clinic outreach team held four clinics in 2022, with two more scheduled for early 2023. It is anticipated that 350 children will be seen over just three weeks.
Through the Transforming Indigenous Eyecare project, donors have made a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Queensland. Thanks to your generosity, these children will have better access to vision care and the resources they need to learn and grow. In addition, the project will continue to promote eye health, hold QUT-led clinics and provide resources to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
