June 2020 Update

Due to the implications of COVID-19, we have revised the methods and timelines for the evaluation. We are now working through multi-site ethics approvals with relevant ethics bodies and the evaluation tools are being finalized ready for data collection by the independent evaluators – ARTD Consultants and Clear Horizon consultants. The methods for collecting data for the evaluation will include a short online survey, key informant interviews and focus groups. To maintain social distance the key informant interviews and focus groups will need to be conducted through video and telephone. For more information about the evaluation see the evaluation project summary here

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group has been providing valuable guidance to the evaluation project. The group was established following the first co-design workshop to prioritise the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people, and includes members with a wide range of experience including health care delivery,  community engagement, health promotion, program management, policy development, evaluation, communications and advocacy roles. Current members include: Anne-Marie Banfield and Shaun Tatipata (co-chairs), Nick Wilson (secretariat), Tania McLeod, Tony Coburn, Nicole Turner, Colin Moore, Emma Robertson and Nicole Tujague.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) will be released shortly, inviting regional networks to indicate their interest in being ‘case study’ sites for the evaluation. As agreed with the evaluation co-design group, we will aim to have representation from across different jurisdictions and remoteness areas. The case studies will provide the opportunity for a deeper analysis of the different regional approaches to addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye care needs. Focus Groups and interviews for the case studies will be conducted by the Aboriginal Partnerships and Projects team at ARTD Consultants.

For further information about the evaluation contact Tessa.Saunders@unimelb.edu.au