Optometrist wanted to deliver eye health services in Central Australia

An opportunity is available for an optometrist to support the establishment of an integrated and comprehensive model of eye care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Alice Springs region.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a long history of promoting health and wellbeing and providing health care. Optometry Australia, alongside the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (Ahpra), acknowledges that over the past centuries, “colonisation, oppression, land dispossession and racism have produced, and continue to produce, gross health inequities including in vision-related outcomes”.¹

Optometry Australia believes that increasing practitioner understanding of cultural values in partnership with First Nations peoples is vital in addressing systemic barriers, providing safe, responsive healthcare, and improving health and wellbeing outcomes.

Critical to supporting the delivery of culturally responsive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is doing what we can to enable the success of First Nations-led models of care, such as that being established by Central Australian Aboriginal Congress in Alice Springs, in partnership with the Brien Holden Foundation.

Together, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and the Brien Holden Foundation are offering a 3-month minimum contract. The role can be adapted to incorporate both service delivery and/or service development accountabilities.

During the contracted time, an optometrist will primarily be providing eye health services, along with delivering eye health training, school-based eye care and other primary eye health services.

Optometry Australia encourages members who have an interest in public health, and enhancing the quality of eye care received by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to find out more about the position here, and apply if interested.

Ensuring the delivery of culturally safe eye care involves more than just acknowledging cultural differences and showing respect; it requires a continual and dedicated effort to gain a deep understanding of the unique needs and practices of First Nations communities and involves incorporating this knowledge into the delivery of care.

Optometry Australia recognises that this is not only vital, but also a crucial step towards addressing eye health inequities and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and believes the opportunity offered by Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and the Brien Holden Foundation will afford an optometrist a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge in this area.

For any questions or to register your interest, please contact Rebecca Hodges, Head of Australia Programs, by email r.hodges@bhvi.org or by phone 0423 599 740.

[1] Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (2020), The National Scheme’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy 2020–2025.