Australia eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Australia has become the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. This is a significant milestone for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities across the nation, and a vital step in preventing avoidable vision loss.

Trachoma is the world’s leading infectious cause of preventable blindness. In Australia, trachoma was found primarily in remote communities in SA, NT and WA, and most commonly in children.

Repeated infections with trachoma, especially during childhood, may lead to trichiasis, scarring which causes the eyelashes to turn inwards, and damage to the cornea (front surface of the eye), leading to vision loss and blindness.

In communities identified as being at risk, trachoma prevalence in children 5-9 years of age has reduced from 14.9% in 2009 to 1.5% in 2024. This achievement reflects decades of community-led efforts by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), eye care professionals and health workers in bi-partisan partnership with consecutive Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

“The elimination of trachoma in Australia marks a major milestone for the eye health of our communities,” said Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing.

“I particularly thank the community members, community leaders and ACCHOs for their commitment and leadership to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. Elimination was achieved through partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and it will only be sustained the same way.”

Optometry Australia CEO Mark Nevin also welcomed the announcement and called for the policy settings and services that made this outcome possible to be sustained.

ACCHOs, visiting optometrists and other eye care practitioners have been integral to the effort of eliminating trachoma – delivering culturally safe care and maintaining the trusted community relationships that underpin lasting health change in areas where geography, cost and workforce shortages would otherwise leave communities without access to timely eye care.

“This is a proud moment for eye health in Australia and a testament to what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities, ACCHOs and eye care professionals can achieve together with Government support and funding,” Mr Nevin said.

“While elimination of trachoma is a significant milestone, it must be protected, and ongoing outreach to address other avoidable sight loss remains essential.”

While the National Eye Health Survey provided an important baseline, updated findings from the Australian Eye and Ear Health Survey show significant gaps in eye health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples persist.

The report highlights higher rates of vision impairment and avoidable eye disease, reinforcing that trachoma elimination is a major achievement, but only one part of a much broader eye health equity challenge.

Optometry Australia is calling for sustained national collaboration to address these inequities, including investment in First Nations eye health workforce development and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led leadership in the design and delivery of eye health programs.

Regular eye examinations remain one of the most effective tools for detecting and preventing vision loss and ensuring communities at risk have consistent access to culturally safe care is essential.

Mr Nevin further noted that initiatives like the Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS), which helps fund optometrists to deliver eye care in remote and regional communities, have been integral to delivering outreach care where it’s needed it most.

“In many communities, visiting optometrists are the only pathway to a routine eye examination. Regrettably, rising travel and accommodation costs, workforce pressures and inconsistent access to care have placed growing strain on the scheme’s ability to deliver,” Mr Nevin said.

“Without sustainable resourcing, conditions including trachoma, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma can progress undetected to the point of irreversible vision loss.

“As the VOS enters a new funding cycle this year, we have urged the Australian Government to ensure the scheme is resourced to meet the real cost of service delivery, so the progress made on trachoma is protected and we can continue efforts to keep closing the gap on preventable vision loss.”