Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in working age adults in Australia and the leading cause of blindness in Aboriginal people.  Early detection through regular eye examinations can prevent almost all people with Diabetic Retinopathy from ever going blind. 

In 1978 LEI and the Lions Save Sight Foundation commenced screening of known diabetics throughout remote and rural Western Australia.  The screenings proved effective in identifying and treating those with diabetes related blindness and educating them of the significance of lifestyle and treatment regimes.  The evolution of this screening model has since seen it implemented successfully throughout all regions of Western Australia in conjunction with various government agencies.

Internationally renowned Ophthalmologist and LEI Deputy Director (Clinical Services), Associate Professor Ian McAllister, has a long term commitment to eye health in remote aboriginal communities.  Since 1982 he has traveled extensively to diagnose and treat eye diseases related to systemic and environmental problems and to educate Aboriginal Health Workers. 

LEI's Ophthalmic Photographer, Chris Barry, has collaborated with Associate Professor McAllister on much of his aboriginal screening work and has received international recognition for his contribution to photographic imaging of various eye conditions.