More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with diabetes across the Northern Territory will be supported to protect their sight through a new partnership between Diabetes Australia and Deadly Vision Centre.  

The partnership brings together Diabetes Australia’s commitment to reducing the impact of diabetes with Deadly Vision Centre’s Aboriginal-led model of culturally safe eye care. 

Together, the organisations will support more people living with diabetes to access regular eye checks, glasses, diabetic eye screening, health education and timely referral for specialist treatment when needed. 

The partnership will also invest in Aboriginal Health Practitioners, recognising the important role they play in helping people understand diabetes-related eye disease, access care earlier and stay connected to follow-up. 

Diabetes-related eye disease can develop without symptoms and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss. Regular eye checks are one of the best ways to detect changes early and prevent avoidable blindness. 

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the investment reflected the organisation’s commitment to working alongside Aboriginal-led services.  

“Diabetes shouldn’t cost your vision, and where you live shouldn’t determine your health outcomes,” Ms Cain said.  

“It’s just not acceptable that something as simple as an eye check or glasses is out of reach for many in the Territory, especially for people living with diabetes.  

“Deadly Vision is an Aboriginal-led service with strong community connections, and a proven approach to preventative and culturally safe care.  

“We’re proud to work alongside Deadly Vision to support more people to access the care they need to protect their sight,” Ms Cain said. 

Deadly Vision Centre Director Shaun Tatipata said the partnership was about backing community-led solutions. 

“For us, this partnership is about more than delivering eye checks. It’s about investing in our Aboriginal Health Practitioners, strengthening local capability and making sure Mob can access culturally safe eye care earlier,” Mr Tatipata said.  

“Our communities know what works. When care is led by Aboriginal people, built on trust and connected to community, people are more likely to engage, come back for follow-up and get the treatment they need before vision is lost. 

“No one should lose their sight from diabetes when it can often be prevented. This partnership will help more Mob protect their vision, stay connected to family and community, and keep seeing the moments that matter.” 

Since opening, Deadly Vision has already supported more than 5,000 Territorians with eye care, including more than 1,000 children, provided more than 1,000 pairs of glasses, and identified 350 people in need of specialist surgical care.