Blindness taking toll koori mail

Here is an article from Koori Mail, a national Indigenous Australian newspaper, about the impact of blindness on Indigenous Australians:

Blindness taking toll on Indigenous Australians

A new report has highlighted the devastating impact of blindness on Indigenous Australians, with many struggling to access essential services and maintain their independence.

The report, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), found that Indigenous Australians are more likely to experience blindness or low vision than non-Indigenous Australians.

According to the report, in 2018-19, 1 in 5 Indigenous Australians aged 65 and over had blindness or low vision, compared to 1 in 10 non-Indigenous Australians in the same age group.

The report also found that Indigenous Australians with blindness or low vision were more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

"It's a real crisis," said Dr. Helen Taylor, a researcher at the University of Melbourne who worked on the report. "Blindness and low vision can have a huge impact on people's daily lives, making it difficult for them to access healthcare, education, and employment opportunities."

The report highlighted the need for more support services for Indigenous Australians with blindness or low vision, including access to rehabilitation programs, assistive technology, and home modifications.

"It's not just about providing glasses or a white cane," said Dr. Taylor. "It's about providing the support and services that people need to maintain their independence and live fulfilling lives."

The report also emphasized the importance of early intervention and prevention, including regular eye checks and healthy lifestyle choices.

"We need to start addressing the underlying causes of blindness and low vision in Indigenous communities, such as poor eye health and lack of access to healthcare," said Dr. Taylor.

The report's findings have been welcomed by Indigenous health advocates, who say that the data highlights the need for increased investment in Indigenous eye health services.

"This report is a wake-up call for governments and health services," said Dr. Tom Calma, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. "We need to take action to address the disparities in eye health outcomes for Indigenous Australians and ensure that they have access to the same level of care as non-Indigenous Australians."

The report's findings are based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the National Eye Health Survey.