THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health
and Regional Services Delivery
16 August 2009
NATIONAL GLAUCOMA WEEK 16-23 AUGUST
National Glaucoma Week (16-23 August) is a timely reminder to all Australians of the
importance of regular eye examinations.
Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery,
Warren Snowdon, said glaucoma continues to be one of the leading causes of blindness in
Australia, and it is estimated around 300,000 Australians have glaucoma, but half are
unaware they have the condition.
“Significant loss of peripheral vision can occur before people realise they have the disease,
and it is not possible to reverse the eye damage once it has occurred,” he said.
“With high rates of diabetes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at particular
risk of developing preventable blindness and vision loss from conditions such as glaucoma,
and are less likely to seek access to specialist eye health services than other Australians.
“That is why the Rudd Government has committed funding to improve access to eye health
services for Indigenous Australians through the Improving Eye and Ear Health Services for
Indigenous Australians for Better Education and Employment Outcomes measure totalling
$58.3 million over four years,” he said.
“This investment includes expansion of the Visiting Optometrist Scheme to provide new and
increased numbers of optometric services to remote and very remote communities.
“Importantly these services will improve the early detection of eye health conditions, and
start treatment before it is too late.”
Mr Snowdon said the incidence of glaucoma could also be age related, so it is important that
all Australians from middle age onwards have their eyes checked regularly by an optometrist
or ophthalmologist.
“Early detection and treatment can slow down the progression of glaucoma and prevent
further vision loss. This glaucoma week make time for a check up and keep an eye on your
sight,” he said.
Media contact: Kate Sieper 02 6277 7427 and 0488 484 689.
NEWS 
