Better health and ageing for all Australians

Eye Health

The National Eye Health Framework

The National Framework for Action to Promote Eye Health and Prevent Avoidable Blindness and Vision Loss (National Eye Health Framework).

In this section:

The National Eye Health Framework was developed in response to World Health Assembly resolution WHA 56.26 which calls on all member countries to develop national vision plans to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020.

The National Eye Health Framework aims to provide a blueprint for nationally coordinated action by governments, health professionals, non-government organisations, industry and individuals to work in partnership to reduce the incidence of avoidable vision loss in Australia. It does not focus on any one specific eye condition, but rather seeks to address the underlying issues common to the prevention and treatment of eye disease and vision loss in general.

The Framework sets out strategies in the following Key Areas for Action:

  • Reducing the risk of eye disease and injury
  • Increasing early detection
  • Improving access to care
  • Improving the quality and systems of care
  • Improving the evidence base
The Framework document is accompanied by a Background Paper entitled "Eye Health in Australia" which provides background information about eye disease in Australia, including the prevalence of eye disease and injury, current treatment options and the economic and social impact of blindness and vision loss. It also provides an overview of the international and national policy context, information about the Australian eye health workforce, major eye health programs and services and related public health strategies.

Eye Health Progress Report This report is the first progress report by jurisdictions to the Australian Health Ministers' Conference on progress to date in implementing the National Framework for Action to Promote Eye Health and Prevent Avoidable Blindness. It covers the period from the release of the Framework by Health Ministers in November 2005 to July 2008.

The report has been compiled by the Eye Health Working Group of the Australian Population Health Development Principal Committee of the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (AHMAC).

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