Archives: News

On 19 March, Vision 2020 Australia hosted a Parliamentary Friends Group for Eye Health and Vision Care breakfast at Parliament House, in Canberra. The event was a great success attracting over 95 guests–including 18 members of parliament from both sides of the house. Special guests included former Governor-General Major General Michael Jeffery AC AO (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) and Professor Emeritus Ron McCallum, Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

March 20, 2013September 13, 2019

20 Mar

NDIS amendments give relief to older Australians who are blind or vision impaired

Vision 2020 Australia CEO Jennifer Gersbeck has welcomed the Government’s announcement to amend the National Disability Scheme (NDIS) Bill to ensure people over the age of 65 have access to disability support.

March 14, 2013September 13, 2019

14 Mar

Australian Government invests in world’s first intelligent retinal camera

The Australian Government invests in the detection and management of blinding eye disease, and diabetes through intelligent high-resolution retinal camera development by Vision CRC.

February 22, 2013September 13, 2019

22 Feb

Vision 2020 Australia tells NDIS inquiry future of blind and vision impaired is in the dark

The safety and independence of some of Australia’s most vulnerable people may be at risk under the current NDIS draft legislation including people with vision loss and seniors.

February 20, 2013September 13, 2019

20 Feb

Vision 2020 Australia welcomes Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Bob Carr’s commitment to eliminating avoidable blindness in Laos

Vision 2020 Australia has welcomed the Australian Government's announcement today of a new $1 million initiative to tackle avoidable blindness in Laos.

February 19, 2013September 13, 2019

19 Feb

Vision 2020 Australia response to NDIS Draft Bill

Vision 2020 Australia and member organisations have come together to provide a united voice to ensure the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is fair, equitable and meets the needs of people who are blind or who have functional vision loss.

January 29, 2013September 13, 2019

29 Jan

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people advocacy update

There have been a number of developments with respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee (ATSIC) this year. One of the most pleasing is that ATSIC Chair Lisa Briggs has been appointed CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and continues as Chair of the ATSIC. Furthermore, a position will be funded by The Fred Hollows Foundation within NACCHO and a focus of this role will be to work with Vision 2020 Australia. These outcomes provide an even greater opportunity for the sector, Vision 2020 Australia and NACCHO to all work together.

Low vision and rehabilitation advocacy update

In 2012 the Low Vision and Rehabilitation Committee (LVRC) worked hard to ensure both low vision and rehabilitation were high on the Australian Government’s agenda, particularly in relation to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Prevention and early intervention advocacy update

This month marks the first year of operation for the Prevention and Early Intervention Committee (PEIC) which met in December 2011 to respond to the Flexible Fund consultation process. Over the year the primary focus of this policy area has been advocacy around the development of a plan to implement the National Framework for Action to Promote Eye Health and Prevent Avoidable Blindness and Vision Loss (National Framework).

Global advocacy update

Australia is home to many organisations with world leading expertise in blindness prevention and vision care. In 2012 the Global Committee continued to bring this expertise together to ensure that the sector strengthens its influence with government and other stakeholders, speaking with a unified and strong voice about the challenges that lie ahead and the possible solutions.