Australian Government Commitment Statement
Australian Government
Commitment Statement
1. Results from the Australian Eye and Ear Health Survey, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, demonstrate Australia’s progress in preventing avoidable vision loss. However, survey findings show that across every age group, the prevalence of vision impairment is three times higher among First Nations Australians compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Closing this gap is a national priority, and the Australian Government remains committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and achieving the targets set out in Australia's Closing the Gap agenda by 2035.
2. Australia also recognizes that good vision is essential for healthy ageing. Timely access to eye care, vision services and assistive technology enables older persons to remain independent, connected to their communities and living with dignity. Through our aged care system, we are strengthening access to blindness and vision services and supporting the provision of assistive technologies that help older Australians maintain their functional ability and quality of life.
3. Australia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, a landmark achievement for people and communities and a significant step in preventing avoidable vision loss and closing the gap in health outcomes. The Australian Government is now focused on sustaining this elimination and protecting eye health gains that have been achieved.
4. In November 2025, Australia announced the AUD $16.5 million investment through the ATscale Global Partnership to improve access to assistive technology for children with disabilities across the Indo-Pacific. Through this partnership, Australia is helping increase access to essential products such as glasses, hearing aids and mobility aids, enabling more children to learn, participate and thrive.
5. Through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program, the Australian Government has committed an estimated AUD $19 million in 2026–2027 to key International NGOs to deliver eye health projects and activities. This investment reflects Australia's longstanding support for civil society action on eye health, including through partnerships with the Fred Hollows Foundation, Brien Holden Vision Institute and Sight For All.
6. Australia is proud to have partnered with the Governments of Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, together with the Fred Hollows Foundation, to support the establishment of a new Centre for Eye Health. Australia's AUD $2.8 million contribution is helping equip and sustain this important facility, expanding access to high-quality eye care for communities across PNG and demonstrating the impact that can be achieved through partnership.
Details
- Organization type:
- Government / public sector
- Commitment timeframe:
- Not specified
- Geographic scope:
- Global
- People reached:
- Not stated
- Financial contribution:
- Not stated
- Is it a joint commitment?
- No
- Are there sub commitments?
- No
Expected outcomes
Scope and Focus
Countries
Eye Health Priorities
No eye health priority areas specified.
Thematic Areas
No thematic areas specified.
