Lions Outback Vision have hit the road running in 2024, with Alex braving the heat and looming cyclones to offer screening for diabetic retinopathy and build partnerships with local organisations across the Pilbara.
Key partners in the West Pilbara include Karratha Central Healthcare and Panaceum Pilbara, as well as more local organisations such as Nintirri Centre and IBN Group. These
organisations collaborate to provide the Strengthening Aboriginal Health program and Integrated Chronic Disease Care program in Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Bellary Springs,
Wakathuni, Onslow and Bindi community. These programs provide regular access to allied health professionals including dietitians, podiatrists, exercise physiotherapists, and diabetes educators. With our collaboration bringing eye health to the table, people with diabetes can now get all the necessary regular diabetes checks at the same time, reducing their risk of complications.
In the East Pilbara, we have partnered with Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS), which provides primary healthcare services across the Great Sandy, Little Sandy, and Gibson Deserts. Through this collaboration, we will be servicing Newman and Jigalong, and giving local Aboriginal health workers an opportunity to be upskilled in operating the van and equipment, increasing the sustainability of the project.
An Australian first as part of the Warlu AI project has been to deploy a novel laser that is a fraction of the weight of other comparable treatment devices – the Norlase LION TM . This enables follow-up on screening with treatment on country, where the specialist flies in to provide laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy with the head-mounted ultra lightweight laser. Lions Outback Vision’s award winning patient education videos are used to help with patient awareness and culturally safe consent for laser treatment. For many patients in remote locations, travel to regional centres is required for treatment. This barrier leads to treatment being delayed and poorer outcomes. Bringing treatment to patients on country using the Norlase LION TM laser will increase the number of patients receiving timely treatment.
