Five optometrists from Queensland University of Technology recently visited the Northern Peninsula Area and provided free eye tests for children.

“The aim was to provide a service to the kids to do comprehensive vision testing and to understand the extent of any uncorrected vision problems that may be in the community,” said Dr Scott Read, Associate Professor at QUT’s School of Optometry and Vision Science.

The optometrists conducted more than 250 tests on children aged 5 to 15. The trip was sponsored by Bamaga Enterprises Ltd.

“We are still analysing the data in terms of results, but we will provide a report back to the community with the overall prevalence results from the study,” Dr Read said.

“All the individual reports are done, and the results were given to the parents and carers of the children. Referrals were also provided for children with significant eye conditions needing follow-up.

“Any of the kids found to be needing glasses will be provided with two free pairs: one pair for home and one separate pair for school. All of the participating children were also given a free pair of sunglasses.”

Chris Foord, general manager of Bamaga Enterprises, said the community-owned Indigenous organisation was proud to support such an important project.

“Education is vital for our local children and being able to see as well as possible is important for a positive schooling experience,” he said.

This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 24 May 2021.