Industry News
New Eye Clinic in Bunbury to Transform Eye Care for Aboriginal Communities
A new eye clinic at the South West Aboriginal Medical Services (SWAMS) in Bunbury is set to revolutionise eye health for Aboriginal communities in Western Australia’s South West region. The initiative, supported by a partnership among The University of Western Australia (UWA), Edith Cowan University (ECU), the University Department of Rural Health South West, Zeiss, and the Fred Hollows Foundation, aims to address preventable eye diseases, provide culturally safe care, and train future healthcare professionals.
The clinic seeks to combat high rates of preventable eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and trachoma—conditions disproportionately affecting Aboriginal populations. Research indicates that over 90% of vision loss in Aboriginal communities is preventable or treatable with timely intervention. However, barriers such as limited access to local services, cultural insensitivity, and socio-economic challenges have historically hindered progress.
Associate Professor Khyber Alam from UWA’s School of Allied Health highlighted the urgent need for action. “Conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and trachoma are disproportionately prevalent among Aboriginal people, often due to factors like limited access to healthcare, low health literacy, and cultural barriers", Associate Professor Alam said.
The clinic emphasizes culturally safe care, recognising the historical and ongoing challenges Aboriginal people face when engaging with mainstream healthcare. By creating an environment where patients feel respected and understood, the clinic aims to rebuild trust and empower individuals in their healthcare journeys.
“Culturally safe care is key to improving health outcomes,” Associate Professor Alam said. “It’s about creating an environment where Aboriginal patients feel respected, heard and empowered to make decisions about their own health. There is a long history of Aboriginal people being excluded from healthcare systems or experiencing discrimination when seeking care. This has contributed to a deep mistrust of mainstream services. This clinic, and our partnership with SWAMS, is an important step towards rebuilding that trust. By ensuring that healthcare is provided by Aboriginal health professionals and in a way that respects cultural differences, we hope to offer a solution that truly works for the community.”
The clinic’s operational model reflects these values, placing Aboriginal leadership at the core of its operations to ensure services are tailored to the community's needs.
In addition to providing much-needed eye care, the clinic will serve as a training ground for UWA Doctor of Optometry students. These students will gain hands-on experience in culturally safe practices, learning from experienced clinicians while directly contributing to community well-being.
This partnership between academic institutions and local health services aims to prepare future healthcare professionals to better meet the needs of Indigenous populations, ensuring sustainable improvements in health outcomes.
The clinic will also function as a research hub, focusing on the unique challenges Indigenous communities face in eye health. Findings will drive evidence-based solutions, directly benefiting Aboriginal populations and addressing the root causes of disparities.
The Bunbury eye clinic represents a collaborative and community-centered approach to healthcare, offering a model for addressing health disparities nationwide. By integrating clinical care, education, and research, the initiative aims to make a lasting impact on the eye health and overall well-being of Aboriginal Australians.
Associate Professor Alam said, “This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a transformative shift in how eye care is delivered to Aboriginal people in the South West.”
The clinic is a testament to the power of partnerships and culturally respectful healthcare in driving meaningful change.