Industry News
New Technology Brings Critical Eye Care to Remote NSW Communities
In a significant advance for regional healthcare in New South Wales, patients in remote and regional areas can now receive comprehensive eye assessments without traveling to major cities, thanks to the installation of cutting-edge retinal cameras at the newly established Gadigal Eye Clinic at Sydney Eye Hospital. This innovative setup enables specialists to perform critical eye health checks from afar, offering unprecedented access to services for thousands of people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The retinal cameras allow general practitioners and nurses at outreach clinics, including the first at Moree, to capture high-resolution images of patients’ retinas. These images are then transmitted securely to the Gadigal Eye Clinic for analysis, where specialist eye care providers can diagnose conditions and recommend treatment plans.
This virtual service, set to launch fully in 2025, enables patients to access high-quality care without leaving their communities. The initiative provides equitable healthcare access and supports continuity of care in collaboration with local healthcare providers.
While the first remote station has been established in Moree, the Sydney Eye Hospital is actively working to expand the program to Tamworth. This expansion is part of a broader mission to make essential eye care accessible to all NSW residents, regardless of their geographical location.
“The clinic will help us Close The Gap by reducing barriers to accessing eye care – particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in rural and remote locations – and improving coordination of care between different providers. The new technology will enable local teams based in regional and rural NSW to be able to call on the specialist expertise of both Sydney/Sydney Eye and Prince of Wales Hospital.”, said Jennie Barry, General Manager, Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital.
Since its inception as the Bicentennial Eye Clinic in 2014, the Gadigal Eye Clinic has provided critical eye health services to more than 90,000 patients, including treatment for retinal, corneal, and other general eye health concerns. The clinic has long been recognised for its commitment to serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across NSW. Its new name, Gadigal Eye Clinic, pays homage to the traditional custodians of the Sydney area, further embedding a commitment to culturally sensitive care.
In addition to virtual care, patients who visit the Macquarie Street clinic in person are welcomed into a culturally safe space. The clinic is adorned with artwork by renowned Aboriginal artist and Yuin man, Billy Reynolds, and the hospital grounds feature guardian stones and native Australian plants, creating a space that is both inclusive and healing.
The Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation raised $200,000 to support the welcoming environment, reflecting a community-driven commitment to culturally safe, accessible healthcare.
Introducing this technology at the Gadigal Eye Clinic is a critical step toward health equity in New South Wales, giving remote and regional communities improved access to life-changing eye care services. For patients, particularly those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, this new service ensures essential eye care is always within reach, regardless of where they live.