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.

Earlier this year, I sat for the OSCE (Observed Structured Clinical Examination) exams, a significant milestone in my studies this year. The OSCE consists of ten different stations, each presenting unique patient scenarios to test a range of clinical skills. Successfully passing the OSCE was a crucial step in my journey to becoming a proficient Optometrist. Following this achievement, I embarked on my first clinical rotation in Geraldton, Western Australia.

OSCE Examination

The OSCE exams are designed to evaluate various aspects of clinical competence, including:

• History taking
• Physical examination
• Clinical reasoning
• Communication skills
• Procedural skills

Each station simulated a real-life patient encounter, providing an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. The rigorous nature of the OSCE ensures that candidates are well-prepared to handle diverse clinical situations.

First Rotation in Geraldton, WA

Geraldton offered a unique and enriching environment for my first clinical rotation. During this period, I encountered a wide range of eye conditions, which significantly enhanced my understanding and management skills in ophthalmology. Some key learning experiences included:

• 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.

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.

Outreach to Mt Magnet and Carnarvon

Mt Magnet

One of the highlights of my rotation was the opportunity to participate in an outreach program to Mt Magnet, a region with significance as it is where my family is from. This experience was both professionally and personally rewarding.    Working in Mt Magnet allowed me to engage closely with the community, providing much-needed healthcare services. This outreach program was instrumental in:

Carnarvon

Additionally, I had the privilege of extending my outreach efforts to Carnarvon. This experience further broadened my understanding of rural healthcare.

Community Impact & Community Engagement

The outreach in Carnarvon was 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.