The IOOF Foundation has announced its support of the Rural Health Education Foundation’s Indigenous eye health project, with a grant of $50,000 for the project A Clear View: Improving Indigenous Eye Health. The Rural Health Education Foundation will be producing and distributing two educational television programs for health and medical professionals and Indigenous communities.  These programs will be broadcast across the Rural Health Education Foundation’s national satellite television network, available through its website and made available to health and medical professionals across Australia on DVD.

“The IOOF Foundation, as part of its ongoing community contribution, is pleased support the Rural Health Education Foundation’s Indigenous eye health project.” says Ms  Danielle Corcoran, HR Director of IOOF Holdings. “The IOOF Foundation’s $50,000 grant will provide education to remote and rural communities to improve eye health amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is important and most satisfying.”

“We are encouraged by such a significant contribution by the IOOF Foundation for this important project, said Don Perlgut, CEO of the Rural Health Education Foundation.  “The programs we are producing will provide invaluable guidance and information for health and medical professionals and Indigenous communities, especially in remote areas.  We are grateful to the IOOF Foundation for its support.”

About the project
The project aims to improve the eye health of Indigenous Australians and focuses on key issues relating to eye health of Indigenous Australians including trachoma, diabetic retinopathy, access to optometry services for refractive error corrections, and eye problems associated with ageing, premature births, injuries and nutrition. The programs will feature Professor Hugh Taylor, Professor of Indigenous Eye Health at the University of Melbourne, along with other experts.

The project has also been significantly supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation and Allergan.

For further details about the program please visit the A Clear View: Improving Indigenous Eye Health webpage.

About the IOOF Foundation
The IOOF Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in June 2002 as part of the demutualisation of IOOF Ltd. By providing grants that support Australian not-for-profit organisations working with disadvantaged families, disadvantaged children and youth and aged care, the IOOF Foundation is making a difference to those in need. The IOOF Foundation has gifted almost $5.5 million to over 50 charities nation-wide, making a real difference in the lives of the disadvantaged.