Using artistic aid to boost eye care

Specsavers Morayfield has again teamed up with the The Fred Hollows Foundation to help make eye care more visible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

To date, Specsavers Morayfield has contributed more than $22,000 to the $5 million donated by the eyecare retailer for The Foundation’s programs in Australia

Specsavers hopes to donate a further $1 million this year, which marks the 30^th anniversary of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

To help it has launched limited-edition frames, featuring the artwork of contemporary Aboriginal artist Sarrita King, to raise awareness and funds.

Limited edition

The Morayfield outlet is encouraging shoppers to buy the limited edition glasses and sunglasses, with $25 from each pair sold going to The Fred Hollows Foundation.

“Our donations support CheckUp, an organisation dedicated to delivering better health for people and communities who need it most in Queensland,” Specsavers Morayfield Optometrist Craig Muller said.

“The Foundation’s partnership supports two Eye Health Coordinator positions working to deliver culturally competent eye health services to communities in Palm Island and Gigdee Healing (servicing Mt Isa, Doomadgee and Mornington Island).”

The Eye Health Coordinators play an essential role delivering and educating people on the importance of cultural competency in eye health to ensure patients have routine services.

'Lightning'

The artwork on the frames this year is called ‘Lightning’ - representing the memory of the electrical storms in tropical Darwin where Sarrita spent her youth.

Sarrita would discover new patterns and colours every time she saw these natural light shows.

“Building a workforce of trained eye health professionals who deliver culturally competent eye care is the only way Australia can move towards closing the gap in eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples,” The Fred Hollows Foundation Chair Jane Madden Jane Madden said.”

Eye and vision problems are the most common long-term health conditions experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with 1 in 3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing some form of vision issue.

Preventable

Currently, it’s estimated more than 18,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults over the age of 40 are living with vision impairment or blindness.

However, over 90 percent of the eye problems that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults experience are preventable or treatable.

You can buy the limited edition frames in store at Specsavers Morayfield from July 7, 2022.

Book an appointment by visiting specsavers.com.au/stores or calling 5499 2911.