Congress’ Eye Health Program has secured grant funding from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) to supply ready-made magnifiers glasses and sunglasses to Aboriginal people living in remote communities and town camps in and around Alice Springs.
“The grant will assist to supply community members with Free much needed ready-made glasses and sunglasses when people present for an eye examination every year if they are diabetic or every 3 years for non-diabetic clients,” says Congress Eye Health Coordinator, Heather Wilson.
“We know by early detection, timely treatment and appropriate care up to 98% of vision loss can be avoidable. Refractive error is one of the most common causes of vision loss.
“Ready-made glasses assist with refractive error, assisting people to read, write, paint and drive, and reducing the risk of falling, especially among the elderly.
“It assists people to become independent as they live with improved eye sight, improving a person’s quality of life.
Congress’ Eye Health Program also provides visiting optometry services to very remote communities, aged care and schools, assisting to improve sight in elderly and children, and consequently, improved learning outcomes.
Congress’ Eye Program is funded through the Visiting Optometry Scheme (VOS) and commonwealth funding working collaboratively with Brien Holden Vision Institute Foundation and Central Australian Aboriginal Congress.
The visiting optometrist visits Congress every month for one week. For appointments call Congress Gap Rd Clinic on 8951 4444.
