Currently, 90 per cent of vision loss experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is treatable or preventable, with 35 per cent of the Indigenous population having some form of eye or sight issue, including 13 per cent of children.
Specsavers Shepparton retail partner Fiona Jackson says the store is proud to support the Fred Hollows Foundation, and encourages Shepparton locals to pop in and purchase one of the limited edition pieces of eye wear.
“Through the foundation’s partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, donations received will help an Aboriginal liaison officer to facilitate eye health clinics, ensure patients are triaged for ophthalmology, as well as accompanying and speaking to patients on treatments and their options,” Ms Jackson said.
“By supporting an Aboriginal liaison officer, the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service can better align their strategy with the Strong Eyes, Strong Communities plan, enabling these services to meet the unique needs of their communities.“
Fred Hollows Foundation chair Jane Madden said the aid organisation was “incredibly grateful” to be able to join forces with Specsavers and First Nations artists to make eye care more accessible for all.
“Like Fred, Specsavers shares the belief that everyone should have access to good-quality, affordable eye care no matter where they live,” Ms Madden said.
“We can’t thank the community enough for their continued support, but there is still work to be done to close the eye health gap.”
So far, Specsavers Shepparton has contributed over $21,000 to the total $6 million donated by Specsavers to the Fred Hollows Foundation.
The new limited edition frames were designed in collaboration with Martu artist Helen Dale Samson, who drew inspiration from native flora in Western Australia.
The frames will be available for purchase in Specsavers Shepparton from July 6, with $25 from the purchase going to the Fred Hollows Foundation.
