On 23 October 2024, the new Gadigal Eye Clinic was officially opened at Sydney Eye Hospital, marking a significant milestone in the provision of eye care for Indigenous Australians living in regional and remote NSW. The ceremony was attended by health officials, community leaders, and patients who have been directly impacted by the clinic’s services.
A cultural Welcome and commitment to community
The event began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country from Elder Aunty Barb Simms-Keely, who underscored the importance of mutual respect in healthcare. Kevin Heath, a Butchulla man from K’Gari, led a Cleansing Ceremony, emphasising the spiritual significance of the occasion.
Distinguished guests included
- The Hon Ryan Park MP, Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Health
- The Hon David Harris MP, Minister for Medical Research
- Alex Greenwich MP, Member for Sydney
- Tobi Wilson, Chief Executive, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD)
- Jennie Barry, General Manager, Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital.
Skye Parsons, Director of the SESLHD Aboriginal Health Unit, addressed the audience, reinforcing the commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Her leadership is crucial in ensuring that the clinic meets the cultural and health needs of community.
Minister Park spoke to the 60 guests, sharing alarming statistics around Indigenous health.
“According to National Eye Health report, 94 per cent of vision impairment or blindness experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is preventable or treatable,” he said.
Minister Harris expressed confident in the clinic’s innovations.
“The Gadigal Eye Clinic has the expertise, capacity, and cultural sensitivities to offer safe and superior ophthalmic medical outpatient services face to face and virtually,” he stated.
The official opening! The Hon Ryan Park MP, Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Health cuts the ribbon with Professor Andrew Chang, Head of Ophthalmology at Sydney Eye Hospital and Chair of the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation
A game-changer for remote communities
The Gadigal Eye Clinic has made significant strides since its inception as the Bicentennial Eye Clinic in 2014, treating over 90,000 patients with a focus on corneal, retinal and general eye care. The introduction of new retinal cameras will enable GPs and nurses in outreach centres to capture detailed medical images aiding in the diagnosis of eye issues and facilitating collaboration with specialists at the Gadigal Eye Clinic to develop treatment plans.
Professor Andrew Chang highlighted the clinic’s impact.
“It’s estimated 35 per cent of Indigenous adults have never had an eye examination, and when a condition or disease is diagnosed, they are waiting longer for surgery accounting for 11 per cent of the health gap,” he said.
“By introducing virtual capabilities here at the Gadigal Eye Clinic and linking to regional centres, we aim to reduce some of the barriers to receiving timely care.”
What this means in real terms
Gerald Brennan, a Murri man from Moree, is one patient who has benefited from the establishment of virtual capabilities. In his mid-70s, Gerald faced significant challenges accessing eye care due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a condition that required specialised surgery he could not receive locally. Before the Gadigal Eye Clinic opened, he had to travel over 626 kilometres to Sydney for treatment.
“Before this clinic opened, I would have to fly or take a long train ride just to see an eye specialist,” Gerald said. “Now, with the virtual clinic linked to the Gadigal Eye Clinic, I can get the care I need just a five-minute drive from home.”
Similarly, John Reid, a 30-year-old from Forest Hill near Wagga Wagga, faced his own challenges. He struggled with keratoconus and severe infections, which required multiple long journeys for treatment.
“The distance was a barrier, and the stress of travelling while dealing with eye issues was immense,” he explained.
The new Gadigal Eye Clinic means John and many others like him can receive care closer to home.
Read John’s story here.
The future – telehealth
One of the most exciting developments announced during the opening was the launch of “Tele-Vision,” a telehealth initiative that will connect patients in regional areas to specialists at Sydney Eye Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. This technology, supported by the installation of retinal cameras in outreach clinics, will allow for real-time consultations and follow-ups, significantly improving access to care.
“The introduction of Tele-Vision will be a game changer for our outreach capabilities,” Dr Chang said.
“It will allow local teams to connect with specialists without the patient needing to travel, which is crucial for those in remote areas.”
The event concluded with a commitment from the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation to continue fundraising efforts to enhance these services.
Professor Gerard Sutton, Ophthalmologist and Foundation Board Director emphasised the importance of collaboration and the need for ongoing support to ensure equitable access to eye care for all Australians.
“We’re proud to be helping Close the Gap by supporting outreach in regional areas like Moree and building on the work to date by partners Pius X Aboriginal Health Service, Brien Holden Foundation, Prince of Wales Hospital, and Optometry NSW,” said Professor Sutton. “The Gadigal Clinic and the Family & Carers Room are significant steps forward in improving access and equity for Indigenous Australians.”
The Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation would like to acknowledge the generous donors who answered the call when we started raising money for this project. Without you, we would not have come this far. However, there is still much more to do, and we look forward to sharing the journey with you.