MEDIA RELEASE
Vision 2020 Australia today launched its 2016 Federal election campaign with the release of an ambitious plan to end avoidable blindness and increase community participation for people who are blind or vision impaired.
Towards 2020: A shared vision of working in partnership for eye health and vision care was released this morning prior to a series of Vision Summits with the Australian Government, the ALP and the Greens.
The policy platform sets out 15 key recommendations that call for better planning and direct action in prevention and services, measures to close the gap, improving the integration of care and support, facilitating greater collaboration in our region and building a sustainable future for eye health and vision care.
Jennifer Gersbeck, CEO of Vision 2020 said Towards 2020 was a bold yet achievable plan developed by experts across the eye health and vision care sector.
“With nearly a million people across Australia expected to be blind or vision impaired by 2020 and millions more within our region, it is only by being bold that we can make a real difference,” Ms Gersbeck said.
“Blindness and vision impairment has a significant impact on the economy and personal wellbeing of so many people in Australia and in the region, but the good news is that we already know what works and what needs to be done.”
“At the heart of the plan lies a need to ensure people have access to frontline services when and where they need it and services are provided in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.”
Along with a range of policy and system improvements, Vision 2020 Australia is calling for an investment of $68.8 million over four years to introduce a national eye health promotion program targeting those most at risk, increased coordination and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and health system strengthening initiatives in the region.
“As momentum builds toward the 2016 Federal election, Vision 2020 Australia will continue to drive the priorities of the eye health and vision care sector with Federal candidates, and seek commitments from political leaders.”
For more information and to download the policy platform, FAQ, and Factsheet, visit the Federal Election Focus hub .
ENDS
Media Contact
Louise Rudzki, Vision 2020 Australia, (03) 9656 2020, +61 414 784 359, lrudzki@vision2020australia.org.au