Griffith Ophthalmic Project

Philippines/Griffith Ophthalmic Project

Philippines

  • In 2016, Turramurra Rotarians agreed to support Professor Geoffrey Painter’s voluntary ophthalmic work in the Philippines.
  • The team was led by Associate Professor Painter and Ms Kerrie Legge and was undertaken in Santiago, 350 km north of Manilla. About 5% of residents in this area are visually impaired, double the national average.
  • By receiving a Rotary Foundation Global Grant, and partnering with the Rotary Club of Midtown Santiago and the Adventist Hospital Santiago, it was possible to acquire diagnostic equipment, train screeners and provide transport for the team. The project budget was AU$100,000.
  • In 2019, 1,022 people received essential eye surgery.
  • Covid caused the Philippines project to be placed on hold.

Griffith

  • It was decided to investigate the possibility of running a similar project in NSW with an indigenous community.
  • With the help of MP Alister Henskins, NSW Health and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, the ophthalmic project was launched in the Griffith area in 2021 with the challenge to reduce the waiting times for the indigenous communities who were facing a two year wait for screening.
  • Stakeholders in the project are the Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service (GAMS), the local Health District, local Rotary Clubs, Griffith Base Hospital, St Vincent’s Clinic and local councils.
  • Training of screeners took place over one year at GAMS.

Achievements

  • Twenty Cert 4 officers have been trained to screen for eye disease.
  • A regular monthly service is provided by three practitioners.
  • Patients do not have to travel to Wagga for treatment.
  • Waiting list for public patients reduced from approximately 18 months to four weeks.
  • The GAMS Clinic in Lake Cargelligo can now undertake eye checks.
  • GAMS arranges transport for Aboriginal patients.
  • Surgical facilities have been established at the St Vincent’s Eye Clinic.
  • Ophthalmic surgery has been reintroduced into Griffith after a 17 year absence.

Future Goals

  • Obtain a portable Retinal Camera - $15,000.
  • Addition of an eye check to the health passport in 2024.
  • Statewide eyesight screening for preschoolers.