I believe that there is and has been significant gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples health in Australia. One major area which has been avoided for a long time in Indigenous people’s health is Ocular Health, with having less than 15 Indigenous Optometrist within Australia it makes it hard for Indigenous people to find a culturally safe space to go to for regular eye assessments.

Eye health is a very underestimated area where there is a lack of education not only within the wider Indigenous communities but throughout Australia. According to the AIHW (Australian Institute of Health Welfare), over 13 million Australians (55% of the total population) have one or more long-term eye conditions, based on self-reported data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics:

7.2 million with hyperopia (long-sightedness)
6.3 million with myopia (short-sightedness)
1.4 million with astigmatism (blurred vision)
687,200 with presbyopia (farsightedness)
548,600 with colour blindness
410,800 with cataract
236,600 with macular degeneration
131,500 with blindness (complete and partial).

With looking into the statistics, it has come to show that the older Indigenous Australians are almost 3x as likely to suffer from vision impairment or blindness as older non-Indigenous Australians. More than 1 in 10 Indigenous Australian age 40 and over suffer from vision loss. It is also stated in the AIHW that in 2012–13, one-third (33%) or 213,000 Indigenous Australians reported that they had an eye or sight problem.

After adjusting for age, the proportion of Indigenous Australians with an eye or sight problem was 8% lower than that of non-Indigenous Australians.

Over the past 24 weeks, I had the incredible opportunity to undertake four different rotations across various locations, each offering unique challenges and learning experiences. This journey not only expanded my clinical skills but also deepened my understanding of patient care, community engagement, and the business aspects of optometry.

My first rotation was in Geraldton, my hometown. Working closely with the community where I grew up was a deeply rewarding experience. I had the chance to provide eye care to familiar faces and understand first hand the importance of accessible healthcare in regional areas. This experience reinforced my passion for rural optometry and the impact it can have on a community.

Next, I travelled to Broome, where I also have family. Here, I worked alongside experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists at Lions Outback Vision and Oscar Wylee. This rotation provided me with exposure to complex cases and the collaborative nature of optometry and ophthalmology. The mentorship I received from seasoned professionals was invaluable, helping me refine my diagnostic skills and approach to patient management.

Following this, I embarked on a journey to Vietnam with two other students. This was an eye-opening experience, where I significantly improved my retinoscopy skills and learned to adapt to different clinical environments. The hands-on experience in a setting with limited resources taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of efficient clinical decision-making.

My final rotation took me to Darwin, where I worked in a clinic alongside Shaun and a team of ophthalmologists. This experience was particularly demanding as I had to balance clinical work with weekly four-hour tests and case study submissions. Despite the intense workload, I gained a deeper appreciation for the integration of research, patient care, and business management within optometry.

Throughout this journey, I faced numerous challenges, from managing a busy schedule to adapting to different clinical settings. However, these experiences pushed me to grow both professionally and personally. I developed a stronger work ethic, honed my clinical skills, and gained insight into the operational aspects of running a practice. Most importantly, I reinforced my commitment to providing high-quality patient care, regardless of location or circumstance.

This travel work experience was an invaluable chapter in my optometric journey, shaping me into a more confident and well-rounded clinician. The knowledge and skills I acquired will undoubtedly influence my future practice, and I am grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and patients who contributed to this transformative experience.

These rotations consist of:

Practical Skills

The hands-on experience in Geraldton allowed me to develop essential practical skills, including:

• Proficiency in using ophthalmic instruments like the slit lamp and ophthalmoscope.
• Conducting consultations under supervision.
• Effective patient communication and education on eye health.
• Diagnosing and managing common eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, glaucoma, and cataracts.
• Performing comprehensive eye examinations.
• Understanding the importance of early detection and treatment of eye diseases to prevent long-term complications.

Community Impact & Community Engagement

The outreach is vital in:

• Delivering essential eye care services to an underserved population.
• Collaborating with local healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Educating the community on the importance of regular eye examinations and preventive eye care.
• Understanding the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by rural and remote communities.
• Building rapport and trust within the community, which is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.
• Gaining insights into cultural competence and the importance of culturally sensitive care.