Optometric services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Queensland

Abstract

Inadequate access to eye care services and limited awareness of eye health issues are believed to be factors contributing to the relatively poor ocular health of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (A&TSI) population. This paper describes a survey of optometrists currently practising in Queensland, which determined their involvement in the provision of primary eye care to A&TSI people in urban and rural communities.

Only half of the optometrists who responded to the survey provided optometric services to A&TSI communities and only a small percentage of these provided services to rural communities. There was also evidence that many optometrists are unaware of the poor ocular status of A&TSI people, yet many stated that they would be prepared to provide a service if there was a need in the community.

The findings of this survey indicate a need for improvement in the optometric services offered to A&TSI communities in terms of their nature and accessibility.