Our Outreach Programs
ACO Eye Health believe all people should have equitable access to high quality eye care and glasses. Our outreach programs aim to reach communities most in need to ensure no one is left behind.
First Nations community eye care
We work closely with VACCHOs, First Nations-led organisations and community health services to support self-determined models of care. This enables us to work together to address unique barriers within communities and bring culturally safe eye care to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in trusted spaces. Our outreach services include both metropolitan and regional Victoria.
ACO Eye Health is privileged to be invited into community-controlled spaces, and we are extremely grateful for the partnership and guidance provided by our First Nations partners.
Some of the areas we visit: Ararat, Healesville, Gippsland, Dandenong, Footscray, Fitzroy
Delivering care at VAHS
Refugee and Asylum Seeker eye care
Seekers of Asylum and refugee communities experience significant barriers in accessing eye health services due to cost, limited healthcare rights (e.g. Medicare ineligibility), poor health literacy, language barriers and difficulty in navigating with Australian health service systems. Providing care in traditional setting is unlikely to reach those most in need or produce the best results.
Our team visits a range support service organisations working with Seekers of Asylum and refugees to deliver culturally appropriate and inclusive eye care services to those who would otherwise have no access to care.
Some of our partners: EACH, IPC Health, Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation (MITA), Asylum Seekers Resource Centre (ASRC)
Our clinic at ASRCCommunity Outreach
Our team provides eye care to a range of vulnerable communities by partnering with local community health organisations that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, making it easier for vulnerable individuals of all age groups to access the care they need in their locality.
Some of our partners: The Wellington Centre
Flying Doctor Mobile Eye Care Service
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria (RFDS Victoria) and ACO Eye Health have partnered for over ten years to deliver the Flying Doctor Mobile Eye Care service, a program which provides comprehensive optometry services to remote and rural communities throughout Victoria. Over the decade-long partnership, the mobile service is estimated to have reached over 2000 people and saved regional Victorians over 5,032 hours of travel time.
Learn moreSupport Community Outreach Eye Care
Learn moreHomeless Persons Eyecare Program
Our team brings vital eye care directly to people at risk or experiencing homelessness by visiting community-based locations which provide services such as meal kitchens, crisis accommodation, material aid, health services, counselling or drop-in centres. The Homeless Persons Eyecare Program was established in 2001 and we continue to provide eye care services and visual aids to those who are in need, which include survivors of family violence.
Some of our partners: cohealth Footscray, Hope City Mission, Ozanam Community Centre, Sacred Heart Mission, Salvation Army
Aged Care Facilities
Many senior residents living in Aged Care Facilities can face barriers in accessing mainstream services due to mobility, financial or complex health conditions. By delivering care in their group home, our team helps older people to preserve their ocular health and vision, which maximise their independence and quality of life.
Some of our partners: Acardia Aged Care, Olivet Care, James Baker House, SHM Community Aged Care, Brotherhood of St Lawrence Aged Care
Supported Residential Services
Supported Residential Services (SRS) are privately owned group homes that do not receive government funding. They provide accommodation and support for Victorians who need help with everyday activities . Residents living in a SRS often suffer from multiple or complex physical or mental health issues that makes it difficult for them to access mainstream eye care services.
Our team proudly serves 68% of all SRS sites in Victoria.
Some of our partners: Achmore Lodge, Berwick House, Heathmont Lodge, Mornington House, Viewmont Terrace
Visiting Disability Services
The Visiting Disability Service provides eye care services to patients with physical and intellectual disabilities within their community residential units. By providing care in a familiar and safe environments, we aim to ensure that patients receive eye care with respect, dignity, comfort and in accordance with their specific needs. Being in a familiar setting helps patients feel at ease, which in turn support the effective delivery of eye examinations.
Some of our partners: Scope, Life Without Barriers, Aruma, Gellibrand, Melba Support Services, Yooralla