Camera to help treat eye disease

A vision for better eye care in the Kimberley is turning into a reality thanks to a new digital retinal camera at Broome Community Health.

Staff recently received donations from the local Lions and Lioness clubs of Broome to help pay for the state-of-the-art equipment, which is used to detect retinopathy in patients.

Retinopathy is a disease of the retina that can result in impairment or loss of vision.

It involves changes in the small blood vessels in the retina and can happen over time in a person with diabetes and seriously affect their vision. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in Australia.

The new camera can screen for retinopathy by taking diagnostic photographs of the eyes of diabetes patients.

The clubs provided a total of nearly $10,000 to help fund the camera and associated software.

The balance of the $29,000 for the cameras was funded by the WA Country Health Service.

WACHS Kimberley regional director Bec Smith thanked the clubs for their generosity and support to the Broome community over many years.

“Our appreciation goes to both the Broome Lions and Lioness clubs for their substantial donations,” she said.

“Their fundraising efforts will greatly help the local community, especially those with diabetes.

“The new camera is already in use at Broome Community Health and this allows patients to be screened for retinopathy very quickly and effectively.”

Lionesses Club of Broome president Carol Kennedy said most fundraising carried out by the club was used to support local causes.