First Nations Telegraph

More than 1000 operations to restore sight for First Nations Queenslanders have been completed thanks to a unique partnership between the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and Mater.

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Groups of up to 30 near-blind patients at a time have been treated during cataract surgery sessions at Mater Private Hospital Springfield.

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First Nations people are more likely to suffer serious sight deterioration at an earlier age than non-Indigenous Australians, but cataract surgery can restore their sight – and change lives.

The First Nations-led program supports and treats Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people needing cataract surgery through a culturally informed and holistic service.

 

IUIH outreach optometrists and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across Southeast Queensland work together to identify eligible patients, and work with Mater clinicians and Queensland Health (Metro South) to facilitate surgery at Mater Private Hospital Springfield, where they are operated on by Mater Hospital Brisbane Director of Ophthalmology Dr Sunil Warrier and fellow specialist ophthalmologist Dr Jon Farrah.

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“We know a lot of First Nations people lose their vision around the age of 50 to 60 years, a lot earlier than Caucasian people, who tend to be around the age of 60 to 70,” Dr Warrier said.

The Cataract Pathway program began in 2016 and currently facilitates around 150 publicly-funded operations a year.

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IUIH CEO, Adrian Carson, said the program improved access for Southeast Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and delivered pre and post-operative care, transport and personal support on the day of surgery, at no additional cost to the healthcare system.

 

Mr Carson said accessing surgery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients was previously a story of long wait-lists and repetition of appointments.

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“These challenges highlight the need for system-wide improvements, especially within the urban setting where Indigenous clients are at risk of falling through the gaps if the client journey does not have seamless interface between each level of care,” Mr Carson said.

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“Without the support of their local community-controlled clinic, it is unlikely these patients would have seen an optometrist or made it onto a waitlist.

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“By working collaboratively across the region and health system to ensure our people are diagnosed and well supported before, through and after treatment, we have reduced demand on the system since patients can be treated earlier, supporting better long-term health and community outcomes.”

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Dr Warrier said he felt privileged in helping to improve healthcare within local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities alongside Mater anaesthetists Dr Conrad Macrokanis, Dr John Lau and Dr Michael Willis.

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“It’s a culturally sensitive all-in-one service,” Dr Warrier said.

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“On the day of the procedure their affected eye is scanned, reassessed and a new intra-ocular lens – a tiny, artificial lens for the eye – is selected from a huge repository brought in specifically for the day.

 

“The patient is operated on and discharged back to the care of the team at IUIH.”

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IUIH Eye Health Services Manager and optometrist Celia McCarthy said the holistic support and integrated approach created a better service with better patient outcomes.

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“Our patients already know and feel comfortable with our team because they’ve been engaged with their local clinic and optometrist, and the opportunity to be together and connected with each other and us throughout the day makes it a positive shared experience, when it’s usually stressful and intimidating to go to hospital,” Ms McCarthy said.

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“Everyone comes together and works so effectively on the day. Our optometrists, local clinic care coordinators, patient transport drivers, and health workers are all supporting our patients and working alongside Mater ophthalmologists and hospital staff.

 

“It enables us to engage and restore sight for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

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Mater Foundation provides ongoing grants to cover the costs of post-operative medication, ensuring patients have no out-of-pocket expenses.

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Dr Farrah said loss of sight was a major health and social problem for those affected.

“Our patients have suffered varying degrees of significant vision impairment,” he said.

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“Many are unable to legally drive or operate machinery.  This can impact their ability to work, carry out essential tasks such as shopping, and visiting family and friends.

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“Being able to engage in day-to-day activities such as taking medication, reading, watching television, or cooking can also be compromised.

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“One of the struggles faced by First Nations people is accessing medical treatment.

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“Sadly, this often contributes to Indigenous peoples being more likely to have poorer medical and long-term health outcomes when compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts”.

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Quandamooka man Ian Delaney, 70, and Wakka Wakka Elder Gordon Cowburn, 75 were among the 30 patients who underwent cataract procedures performed by Dr Farrah on the same day.

 

Prior to his surgery, Mr Cowburn, a father of 10, said he had struggled to play golf and read books without difficulty.

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“Watching television and doing simple household chores including cleaning have become frustrating due to my deteriorating vision,” Mr Cowburn, from Wynnum, said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing normally again.”

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Mr Delaney looked forward to ditching his glasses after struggling with everyday activities.

“In my right eye everything was very blurry. Not having clear vision was a problem making simple things like walking around the house hard. I had to be careful not to trip or fall over,” he said.

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“I already had surgery in one eye done and now with both, I am able to see properly again.”

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Mr Delaney said he had become more social and no longer needed to wear glasses.

 

“I had a check-up the other day and things are great. My life has improved and I’m much happier now.”