What has been achieved?

A National Framework

Following consultations and submissions from Vision 2020 Australia and members of the partnership, health ministers from around Australia endorsed the National Framework for Action to Promote Eye Health and Prevent Avoidable Blindness and Vision Loss (National Framework). Endorsed in November 2005, the Framework sets a blueprint for nationally coordinated action on eye health and eye care by governments, health professionals, community organisations, industry and individuals. Vision 2020 Australia continues to work with governments and stakeholders across the country to ensure the Framework is actioned. The Framework is Australia's response to the World Health Organization's World Health Assembly resolution 56.26 on the elimination of avoidable blindness.

The National Eye Health Initiative (NEHI)

The NEHI was announced in the 2006-07 federal budget, and represents the Australian Government's response to the release of the National Framework for Action to Promote Eye Health and Prevent Avoidable Blindness and Vision Loss by health ministers in November 2005.

Funding of $13.8 million over four years has been made available for a range of activities to promote eye health and strengthen eye-health care service delivery. This funding is in addition to the annual expenditure by the Australian Government of approximately $600 million on eye health care, including ophthalmological and optometric services, pharmaceutical products and vision-related research.

The NEHI will focus on activities that:

• are consistent with the aims and objectives of the National Framework;
• are national in scope;
• aim to improve collaboration and cooperation across the eye health and vision care sector and with the wider health care sector; and
• have, or contribute to, a sound evidence base.

Eye Health Demonstration Grants

Under the NEHI the Department of Health and Ageing has called for proposals from interested organisations and individuals to undertake demonstration projects to support the implementation of the National Framework. Approximately $2 million over two years has been allocated to Round One of the Eye Health Demonstration Grants Program. Innovative projects and those representing partnerships between organisations are encouraged.

Organisations are encouraged to develop pilot projects to:

• identify and recommend solutions to overcome inefficiencies in the delivery of eye health care and to improve the quality and safety of eye health care; and/or
• identify and evaluate strategies to improve access to eye health care for marginalised and disadvantaged groups, including people in rural and remote communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The submission date for proposals was Friday 2 March 2007. Vision 2020 Australia did not apply for any money under this grants program, but worked proactively with members to provide assistance and encourage collaboration.

Vision Initiative - Australia's First Public Eye Health Campaign

'Save Your Sight - Get Tested' is the key message of the Vision Initiative (EXTERNAL LINK), a health-promotion campaign being piloted in Victoria. A coordinated public health program, the Vision Initiative aims to prevent avoidable blindness and reduce the impact of vision impairment on all Victorians through public and professional awareness. Members of the Vision 2020 Australia partnership have collaborated at all stages of the campaign's consultation, planning and implementation. Considerable interest in this initiative has been expressed by other states. Download an overview of the Vision Initiative.

Downloads
Overview of the Vision Initiative (PDF)	PDF
Overview of the Vision Initiative (RTF)	RTF

What Are the Challenges Ahead?

Vision 2020 Australia continues to work to ensure that the elimination of avoidable blindness and the improvement of vision care are priorities for governments and health providers. As the population ages, and as acute health delivery costs increase, keeping eye health and vision care on the national agenda will be a significant challenge.

By building collaborations, Vision 2020 Australia assists members to identify innovative approaches and advocacy opportunities in order to create real and sustainable change. Achieving the Vision 2020 Australia strategic goals is our immediate challenge.