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Describing the Eye Health of Newly Arrived Refugees in Adelaide, South Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Kate Murton

    (Refugee Health Service, SA Health, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

  • Antonietta Maldari

    (Refugee Health Service, SA Health, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

  • Joanne Thomas

    (Refugee Health Service, SA Health, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

  • Jan Williams

    (Refugee Health Service, SA Health, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

  • Marcel Nejatian

    (Lions Eye Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
    Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia)

  • Hessom Razavi

    (Lions Eye Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
    Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia)

  • Lillian Mwanri

    (Research Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing (PHEHF), Torrens University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

Abstract

This study describes the eye health of newly arrived refugees attending a state-funded health service in Adelaide, South Australia, helping to address the paucity of data on the eye health of refugees. Patients attending the Refugee Health Service undergo comprehensive assessment by an on-site optometrist with accredited interpreters if they have eye symptoms, personal or family history of eye disease, or visual impairment (using World Health Organization definitions). A retrospective audit of this service was performed to obtain patient demographics, presenting best-corrected distance visual acuity (better-seeing eye), diagnoses, and management. In 2017–2018, 494 of the 1400 refugees attending the service underwent an optometry assessment (age range 1–86 years, mean age 33.1 ± 18.6 years, 53% female). Regions of origin included the Middle East (25%), Bhutan (24%), Afghanistan (22%), Myanmar (15%), and Africa (14%). Of the 124 cases of visual impairment, 78% resolved with corrective lenses and 11% were due to cataracts. Ophthalmology follow-up was required for 56 (11%) patients, mostly for cataracts (22 patients). Newly arrived refugees have high rates of visual impairment from refractive error and cataracts. Integration of optometry and state-based refugee health services may improve the timely detection and treatment of these conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Kate Murton & Antonietta Maldari & Joanne Thomas & Jan Williams & Marcel Nejatian & Hessom Razavi & Lillian Mwanri, 2024. "Describing the Eye Health of Newly Arrived Refugees in Adelaide, South Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-10, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:7:p:869-:d:1427873
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard Madden & Nicola Fortune & Julie Gordon, 2022. "Health Statistics in Australia: What We Know and Do Not Know," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-12, April.
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