Closing The Gap

Unlike many illnesses and disabilities, most poor eye health is preventable or treatable. Australia is the only developed country in the world to still have blinding trachoma and in many outback areas, Aboriginal communities have rates of trachoma as high as anywhere in the world. In 2008, the Indigenous Eye Health Unit was established in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, led by the Chair of Indigenous Eye Health, Professor Hugh Taylor AC. The unit's long-term goal is to close the gap for vision through conducting research and exploring barriers and enablers for Indigenous people accessing eye health services. A series of clinics form an important part of the overall endeavours of the University to assist in the elimination of trachoma and to close the gap for vision in our Indigenous communities. These clinics highlight the importance of community engagement for improved health and wellbeing for communities. With the ongoing support of the Melbourne Football Club and local services in remote communities, each clinic involves a day of hygiene and health inspired activities combined with a football clinic run by MFC players.

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One of the main causes for trachoma is lack of water and overcrowding. Both preventable.