Diabetic retinopathy among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet and The Fred Hollows Foundation have developed a visually engaging health practice resource that complements the more detailed written information available on the HealthInfoNet dedicated eye health website. The video and resources are free for educational purposes.

These resources aim to provide information that will assist health care providers in their everyday practice.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious eye problem that can develop in people with diabetes and can lead to vision loss and blindness. It can damage the eye before people know they have diabetes or experience any problems with their vision. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes are now more likely to receive yearly eye checks than in the past and are less likely to experience vision loss due to DR. However, they are still at greater risk of developing diabetes and DR than non-Indigenous people.

The key facts outline information about:

  • how diabetic retinopathy occurs
  • who gets diabetic retinopathy
  • how to prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy
  • how to detect diabetic retinopathy
  • how to treat diabetic retinopathy
  • delivering eye care for diabetic retinopathy.

http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/other-health-conditions/eyeworkers/diabetic-retinopathy/key-facts