South Australian peak body for Aboriginal health
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
“The University of Melbourne’s report highlighting that Indigenous Australians in regional areas are missing out on eye health services because of cultural barriers and a lack of coordination is not news to AHCSA and we support a concerted effort to rectify this situation.
“AHCSA’s own Trachoma and Eye Health Program has been struggling on too few funds for years albeit high demand for its services. We have been trying to secure additional funding to support the existing visiting Opthalmologists/Optometrists program, provide training to Aboriginal Health Workers to increase accessibility, conduct screening in schools, and supply the vehicles required to reach outlying areas but this has not been forthcoming. AHCSA has recently been working with Country Health SA on a submission to secure funding from the Commonwealth for trachoma services.
“Without an increase in culturally accessible eye health services, Aboriginal people’s eye health will continue to suffer. Whilst the services may be there in the towns and cities, Aboriginal people cannot access them unless the cultural barriers can be dealt with effectively which is why we have been asking for funding to train Aboriginal Health Workers.
“As the University of Melbourne’s report highlighted, there is a very large shortage of specialists and manpower in remote areas which is one of the main areas targeted by our Trachoma and Eye Health Program but without increased funding, AHCSA is unable to service the need effectively.
“We agree with the University of Melbourne’s conclusion that coordination is required between Aboriginal Health Services and eye care providers, and Aboriginal people. AHCSA is the peak body representing Aboriginal health/substance misuse services and Aboriginal health advisory committees across South Australia, and would welcome additional resources to increase access to eye health services by Aboriginal people.
“Working with our member services would improve coordination and deal with cultural issues. Building the capacity of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to manage visiting specialists is important to maximise opportunities as is building the capacity of Aboriginal Health Workers to conduct screening and eye health checks.
“Access to follow-up care and treatment, and making services and treatment available as close to homes as possible, is mandatory.
“Whilst anthropologist Peter Sutton warned that much of the trachoma burden could be prevented by simple measures such as improved facial hygiene, you can’t stop the horse once it has bolted. Adequate prevention programs are required in addition to culturally accessible eye health services for the now many Aboriginal people who already have eye diseases.”
ENDS. For further information contact: Mrs Mary Buckskin, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Inc., 08 8273 7200.
