CONTENT WARNINGThis website may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased. It also contains links to sites that may use images of Aboriginal and Islander people now deceased. We apologise for any distress that may occur. |
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ABOUT IEHU
Indigenous Eye Health Unit (IEHU) was established in 2008 by Professor Hugh Taylor, AC at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health to undertake world-leading research that has established an evidence-base and policy framework to address Indigenous eye health in Australia.
IEHU aims to Close the Gap for Vision for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through world-leading research, policy formation, advocacy and implementation. Research has established the state of Indigenous eye health in Australia and current service availability and explored barriers and enablers to the delivery of eye health services for Indigenous peoples.
The evidence gathered has guided the development of a comprehensive policy framework – The Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision - that is supported by the Indigenous and mainstream health sectors and government. IEHU is currently actively engaged in providing the necessary advocacy and technical support to Close the Gap for Vision.
QUICK LINKS
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC)
The 2023 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC23) will be held 24 - 26 May 2023 | Parramatta, NSW.
- Vision 2030 Workshop Report
Key findings from a workshop of First Nations people working in First Nations Eye Health, held at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Eye Health Conference 2022.
- Roadmap Annual Updates
IEHU are pleased to announce the launch of the 2021 Annual Update on the Implementation of The Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision.
- Evaluating Regional Implementation the Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision
In 2019, The Indigenous Eye Health Unit (IEHU) commenced a formal evaluation of regional implementation of The Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision (the Roadmap). Independent evaluators have been engaged to carry-out elements of this work and an experienced facilitator is supporting the co-design process.
- Eye Health Promotion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
IEHU plans to develop additional culturally appropriate eye health promotion resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- 'Share Your Story': Success Stories
A selection of ‘stories’ of successful activities and significant achievements in Indigenous eye health by individuals, organisations, regional stakeholder groups, and through other collaborations relating to efforts to close the gap for vision.
- 'Asking the Question' Resources
IEHU has developed a ‘toblerone’ (or ‘tent’ shaped) desktop resource and an ‘Asking the Question’ (AtQ) Information Sheet that aims to highlight ways to improve eye care service delivery in mainstream practices and clinics with appropriate identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status.
- Victorian Aboriginal Eye Health Regional Stakeholder Forum - Report
The Forum provided an opportunity for regional stakeholders and others working in eye health to come together to share initiatives and progress and highlight challenges, new ideas and opportunities to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health across Victoria.
Our work
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Roadmap
Progress and resources to support the implementation of the Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision.
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Diabetes Eye Care
Free resources for health professionals and communities to help raise awareness for people with diabetes about the need for annual eye checks to avoid blindness.
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Trachoma
Australia is the only developed country in the world to still have active trachoma in remote Indigenous communities. Here you can find free tools and resources to assist in fighting this disease.
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Regular Eye Checks
Free resources for health professionals and communities to help raise awareness for people with diabetes about the need for annual eye checks to avoid blindness.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which our Melbourne office is located and acknowledge the Arrernte people of Central Australia, Kaurna people of Adelaide, Dharawal people of NSW and Larrakia people of Darwin as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our staff are based.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, particularly those who have made and continue to make contributions to the work to Close the Gap for Vision.
- Director, Associate Professor Mitchell Anjou
Indigenous Eye Health Unit Director
- Address
- Indigenous Eye Health Unit
- Onemda: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
Melbourne School of The University of Melbourne
Level 5, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Telephone
- +61 3 8344 0322
- Email Indigenous-EyeHealth@unimelb.edu.au
- Facebook Indigenous Eye Health Unit - IEHU
- Twitter IEHU_Unimelb
- LinkedIn Indigenous Eye Health Unit
- Instagram IEHU_Unimelb
About IEHU
The University of Melbourne’s Indigenous Eye Health Unit (IEHU) was established in 2008 at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health to undertake world-leading research that has established an evidence base and policy framework to address Indigenous eye health in Australia.
The director of IEHU is Associate Professor Mitchell Anjou.
Our Team
Professor Taylor leads a team of knowledge translation scholars, health promotion and research officers and administrative staff.
Governance
Our Advisory Board oversees the work of IEHU and provides overarching advice, direction on work, guidance on funding, and advice as to how data collected can be used to implement policy change
Supporters and Donors
The work of the IEHU is generously supported by a number of private donors, philanthropic trusts, and the Australian Government Department of Health.
About the Roadmap
Indigenous Eye Health Unit (IEHU) undertook The Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision project to review health service provision and develop a model of eye care for Indigenous Australians for presentation to the Australian Government.
The project outcomes are documented in The Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision, released in 2012, which includes a sector-endorsed, evidence-based, whole-of-system framework that collectively seeks to address Indigenous eye health inequity and Close the Gap for Vision.
CONTENT WARNINGThis website may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased. It also contains links to sites that may use images of Aboriginal and Islander people now deceased. We apologise for any distress that may occur. |
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Explore Our Roadmap Resources
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The Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision
Here you will find the Roadmap Summary reports and the full Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision report.
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Annual Update on the Implementation of The Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision
Here you will find the current and past years Annual Update on the Implementation on the Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision reports.
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Regional Implementation Toolkit
This Regional Implementation Toolkit provides a range of resources to assist communities and services to calculate, plan and monitor improved eye health outcomes for regional areas throughout Australia.
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Position Papers and Information Sheets
The full set of the Indigenous Eye Health’s Position Papers on various issues and policy matters.
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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC)
Find all the relevant information regarding the Close the Gap for Vision by 2020 National Conference and the previous years reports and conference wrap-up.
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Evaluating Regional Implementation of The Roadmap
Independent evaluators have been engaged to carry-out elements of this work and an experienced facilitator is supporting the co-design process.
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Technical Reports
Here you will find technical reports from IEH and external stakeholders.
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Jurisdictional Snapshots
The snapshots include analysis of measures on eye health and access to eye care services for Indigenous Australians at both jurisdictional and Primary Health Network level.
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'Share Your Story': Success Stories
A selection of ‘stories’ of successful activities and significant achievements in Indigenous eye health by individuals, organisations, regional stakeholder groups, and through other collaborations relating to efforts to close the gap for vision.
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'Asking the Question' (AtQ)
IEH has developed a ‘toblerone’ (or ‘tent’ shaped) desktop resource and an ‘Asking the Question’ (AtQ) Information Sheet that aims to highlight ways to improve eye care service delivery in mainstream practices and clinics with appropriate identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
"We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which our Melbourne office is located and acknowledge the Arrernte people of Central Australia, Kaurna people of Adelaide, Dharawal people of NSW and Larrakia people of Darwin as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our staff are based."
"We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, particularly those who have made and continue to make contributions to the work to Close the Gap for Vision."
About Diabetes Eye Care
Diabetes is a major cause of vision loss and blindness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Up to 98% of vision loss and blindness from diabetes is preventable with early detection and follow-up treatment. Everyone with diabetes is at risk of going blind. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes require a yearly eye check to reduce their risk of vision loss and blindness
An iterative, engaging, community-driven process was taken to develop eye health promotion messages and resources focusing on diabetes eye care.
Developing the Resources e-News Publications Training
CONTENT WARNINGThis website may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased. It also contains links to sites that may use images of Aboriginal and Islander people now deceased. We apologise for any distress that may occur. |
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Explore Our Diabetes Resources
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Resource Kit
The 'Check Today, See Tomorrow' resource kit has been developed to help increase awareness about diabetes eye care.
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Download Resources
A variety of 'Check Today, See Tomorrow' diabetes eye care resources available for download.
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Multimedia Resources
A selection of multimedia resources including music videos and radio ads are available to use.
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Get Involved
Suggestions and ideas of how to use the ‘Check Today, See Tomorrow’ resources in your community.
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'Check Today, See Tomorrow' Social Media Resources
A variety of 'Check Today, See Tomorrow' diabetes eye care social media resources to assist communities and organisations promote National Diabetes Week and good diabetes eye care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Additional Diabetes Resources
A variety of additional diabetes support materials available for download.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
"We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which our Melbourne office is located and acknowledge the Arrernte people of Central Australia, Kaurna people of Adelaide, Dharawal people of NSW and Larrakia people of Darwin as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our staff are based."
"We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, particularly those who have made and continue to make contributions to the work to Close the Gap for Vision."
About Trachoma
Trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness in 42 of the world's poorest countries. Australia is the only developed country in the world to still have active trachoma in remote Indigenous communities. Trachoma is most often found in small children but scarring and in turned eye lashes are found in older people throughout the country. Trachoma persists in areas with poor personal and community hygiene.
In 2010, IEHU coordinated the development of the Trachoma Story Kit. This comprehensive kit includes flipcharts, guidelines & student resources that can be used by clinics, schools & community groups to provide clear and consistent messages about trachoma, how it is spread & how everyone can help to eliminate it.
Developing the Resources e-News Publications Training
CONTENT WARNINGThis website may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased. It also contains links to sites that may use images of Aboriginal and Islander people now deceased. We apologise for any distress that may occur. |
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Explore Our Trachoma Resources
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Resource Kit
A brief explanation of the Trachoma Story Kit and list of accompanying resources.
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Downloads
A range of free downloads including information on how to use the resources, flyers, posters and order forms as well as conference posters talking about a variety of issues in trachoma.
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Multimedia
IEH has developed several multimedia resources to help promote awareness of Trachoma. You can view these all for free here.
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Get Involved
Order a Trachoma T-shirt, request permission to create your own resources, and more about how to use them effectively.
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Milpa's Six Steps to Stop Germs
‘Milpa’s Six Steps to Stop Germs’ is a suite of resources aimed to encourage everyone, particularly kids, to stay healthy and strong and eliminate trachoma and other infectious diseases through following Milpa’s Six Steps to Stop Germs.
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COVID-19 Resources
IEH have developed a new range of resources aimed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities. Templates are included for easy adaptation by communities and organisations.
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Useful Links & Reports
A selection of useful external links and reports relating to trachoma
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
"We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which our Melbourne office is located and acknowledge the Arrernte people of Central Australia, Kaurna people of Adelaide, Dharawal people of NSW and Larrakia people of Darwin as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our staff are based."
"We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, particularly those who have made and continue to make contributions to the work to Close the Gap for Vision."
About 'Eyecare Now, Eyecare Always'
‘Eyecare Now, Eyecare Always’ is a suite of eye health promotion resources aimed at promoting regular eye checks in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. These resources aim to assist primary health care providers, including Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, to promote regular eye checks, particularly through the annual 715 health check, and awareness of refractive error and cataract.
The new ‘Eyecare Now, Eyecare Always’ health promotion resources were developed with a community-led approach centred around self-determination, voice, and connections.
The new ‘Eyecare Now, Eyecare Always’ resources will build on IEHU’s existing health promotion resources and tools to support the improvements in eye health system reform activities in regional collaborations across Australia.
CONTENT WARNINGThis website may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased. It also contains links to sites that may use images of Aboriginal and Islander people now deceased. We apologise for any distress that may occur. |
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Explore our Regular Eye Checks Resources
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Eye Health Heroes
A selection of well-known community members or 'eye health heroes’ from a diverse range of disciplines and communities feature in the resources.
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Download Resources
A variety of 'Eyecare Now, Eyecare Always' resources available for download.
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Multimedia Resources
A selection of multimedia resources featuring our eye health heroes is available to use to help promote regular eye checks. You can view and download them for free.
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Get Involved
Order a 'Eyecare Now, Eyecare Always' T-shirt, request permission to create your own resources, and more about how to use them effectively.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
"We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which our Melbourne office is located and acknowledge the Arrernte people of Central Australia, Kaurna people of Adelaide, Dharawal people of NSW and Larrakia people of Darwin as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our staff are based."
"We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, particularly those who have made and continue to make contributions to the work to Close the Gap for Vision."
CONTENT WARNINGThis website may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased. It also contains links to sites that may use images of Aboriginal and Islander people now deceased. We apologise for any distress that may occur. |
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Believe Campaign - Indigenous Eye Health
Many thanks for looking at our Donation Page. Indigenous Eye Health does receive some funding from the Australian Government so that we can provide technical support and advice on the implementation of the Roadmap recommendations and some health promotion activities for trachoma programs.
However, the majority of our funding comes from private donations, trusts and foundations. This funding is of critical importance to us and the support of our work. It provides us with flexibility and agility. It allows us to speak with an independent voice to government and politicians. Without this private support we could not do our work.
We hope the other pages on our website show clearly the range of the work we are doing to Close the Gap for Vision and to provide equity in eye care and the good progress we are making. If you would like more information or have any questions about our work we would be pleased to hear from you.
Email: Indigenous-EyeHealth@unimelb.edu.au
Thank you again for considering supporting our work.
IEH currently have the following position/s available:
| We currently have the following exciting opportunities at Indigenous Eye Health. Some positions may be identified and therefore, only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. There are currently no opportunities available at the IEHU right now, but please check back regularly for updates. |
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