Johnson & Johnson has partnered with the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA) to close the gap on eye health for Aboriginal communities.
The partnership will support AHCWA’s Eye Health Coordination Programme, which identifies gaps in essential eyecare in Aboriginal communities in Western Australia, said AHCWA’s executive manager of public health Shirley Newell. She said the programme concentrates on improving eye health through equipment availability, skills training, data and patient information, follow-up care and access to spectacles.
“The Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies understands how critical it is to close the gap in eye health for Aboriginal people, and they share the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector’s passion in leading the charge for health equity. Together, we will work to improve our eye health system and bring greater participation and education in screening and eye treatments to Aboriginal people and communities in Western Australia.”
The move follows J&J’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-2023, announced earlier this year. The AU$1.75M funding in Aboriginal health programmes addresses preventable blindness in Aboriginal communities, said Kris Ashpole, Johnson & Johnson global community impact lead ANZ. “We’re proud to join forces with AHCWA and help provide the resources to ensure all Aboriginal people receive regular eyecare as part of their primary healthcare.”
