In 2025, the Lions Outback Vision Van made its inaugural visit to Manjimup and Denmark, delivering critical eye care services to the local community. This state-of-the-art mobile clinic is part of the Lions Eye Institute’s commitment to providing equitable access to specialist ophthalmology care for people living in regional and remote Western Australia.
Each year the Vision Van travels 25,000 kilometres and provides nearly 3,000 patient visits.
It is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technology, offers screenings, treatments, and consultations for various eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. This mobile service is a lifeline for residents who would otherwise need to travel long distances to receive the care they need.
Professor Angus Turner, McCusker Director of Lions Outback Vision, emphasised the significance of the launch, saying “We’re thrilled to bring the Vision Van to Manjimup and Denmark for the first time. It’s part of our ongoing mission to reduce preventable blindness and vision impairment by ensuring that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to specialist eye care. This important milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of The Fred Hollows Foundation and Wen Giving. Their contribution has been instrumental in enabling us to expand the Vision Van’s reach beyond where we started in 2016 with the support of our founding partners, Lotterywest and WA Country Health Services. It is making a tangible difference in the lives of those in remote and regional communities. We are deeply grateful to all our partners for their ongoing support.”
The Vision Van spent its first day in Manjimup, offering appointments for patients referred by local healthcare providers. This initiative is a crucial step in improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of vision loss in rural Western Australia.
As the Vision Van continues its journey across the state, it will not only bring eye care to Manjimup but also foster stronger relationships with local health professionals, ensuring sustainable, long-term improvements in regional eye health.
Residents are encouraged to contact their local GP or optometrist for more information about the Vision Van’s schedule and how to access its services.
The Vision Van is made possible thanks to the generous support of our donors, Lotterywest, The Fred Hollows Foundation, Wen Giving and the Federal and State Governments.
Dr Glen Power aboard the Vision Van with Aboriginal Elder Marilyn Morgan and John Sebire at the launch event
