94% of vision loss for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults is preventable or treatable. However, when 35% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have never had an eye exam. There's still a lot of work to do.
'Close the Gap' - What is the Eye Health Gap?
When it comes to eye health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are:
- 3 times more likely than other Australians to go blind.
- 12 times more likely to have blinding cataracts than other Australians.
- 4 times more likely to wait for more than a year for eye surgery compared to other Australians.
The Indigenous Australia Program
The Fred Hollows Foundation's Indigenous Australia Program supports increased investment in and access to culturally-appropriate eye care services to remote and underserved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. More specifically, The Fred Hollows Foundation is working to:
- Deliver surgery and medical treatment for cataract, diabetic retinopathy and the elimination of trachoma.
- Increase access to services for patients in remote communities.
- Coordinate and improve outreach services so everyone who needs medical care gets it.
- Provide training and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health staff.
The Fred Hollows Foundation & Blackwoods Partnership
Blackwoods has been a proud partner of The Fred Hollows Foundation since 2010. With your help, we have donated over AU$3 million to restoring sight and transforming lives within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Blackwoods donates 10% of profits from the purchase of any PROSAFE eyewear, faceshields and related accessories sold through Blackwoods Australia.
Our customers are delighted to learn that not only are they receiving comfortable, high-quality PROSAFE Eye Protection, but that a percentage of the purchase is going towards helping to close the gap in eye health experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
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