More than 250 children in far-north Queensland recently had free eye check-ups! They were also offered two free pairs of glasses. This is part of an initiative started by Bamaga Enterprises Limited.
Bamaga Enterprises Limited (BEL) is a not-for-profit, community owned organisation, helping to improve the way that Indigenous peoples live in Bamaga and the Northern Peninsula Area.
Earlier this year, BEL sponsored five optometrists from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), to visit their communities.
They were also able to provide referrals for children with serious eye conditions, who may need more help.
BEL’s hope is that by catching any eye problems the children have, they can have a more positive experience at school. ‘Education is vital for our local children and being able to see as well as possible is important for a positive schooling experience,’ said Chris Food, General Manager of BEL.
QUT is hoping to return in the future. ‘We are hopeful that we could potentially return to the community at some point to conduct eye testing again. The aim is to have an ongoing and sustainable, long-term community-based program,’ said Dr Scott Read, Associate Professor at QUT.
For more information about Bamaga Enterprises Limited, visit their website.