By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A high risk of blindness in Geelong has prompted a pilot eye test program in the city.
Geelong is one of four areas across Victoria targeted for the Vision Initiative after a survey found that 42 per cent of respondents who noticed changed vision failed to obtain eye tests.
The Victorian Population Health Survey also found that more than 44 per cent of Geelong region adults reported changed vision.
Twenty-one per cent had never had an eye test and almost a quarter of respondents aged over 35 failed to have regular eye examinations.
Victorian Health Minister David Davis said the pilot program aimed to deliver a coordinated approach at a local level to reduce avoidable vision loss and blindness.
“The pilots will integrate into existing health systems and deliver training to GPs, pharmacists and practice nurses to improve identification of people at risk of eye disease and encourage them to have regular eye tests with an appropriate eye-health professional.
“What we learn from these pilots will inform a larger state-wide roll out in coming years.”
Optometrist Rowan Prendergast said the risk factors in Geelong were preventable.
Mr Prendergast said the highest risk group for avoidable vision loss included anyone aged over 40, smokers, diabetics, people with a family history of eye disease and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
“Eye tests are covered by Medicare and bulk billed, so there’s nothing to fear,” Mr Prendergast said.
“People should realise that eye tests are part of their general health considerations.”
