Eye care clinic for the Mid West aimed at helping vulnerable population

A fully equipped eye health clinic has been created in the Mid West thanks to a partnership between local stakeholders. The WA Centre for Rural Health and the University of Western Australia is working with the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service to develop programs to help vulnerable populations who may otherwise not have access to eye care services. The clinic can offer rural patients low-cost glasses, as well as early diagnosis, referral, and treatment for a range of conditions which can affect sight. UWA optometry lecturer Sophia Gerritsma is working with GRAMS eye health co-ordinator Eric Dalgety to deliver the project. According to UWA, “comprehensive, culturally safe eye care” is paramount when patients attend the facility. UWA school of optometry students in their final year are helping develop the programs, as well as assisting with mobile school and aged-care eye exams, and making eye-related disease appointments more streamlined before the patient sees a specialist. The pilot program for the school eye care program will run at four schools in the Mid West: Bluff Point Primary School, Goodstart Early Learning Wonthella, Mullewa District High School, and Mount Magnet District High School. The school programs will begin on Monday, May 6.