The Lions Eye Institute's new Outback Vision Van has the capacity to treat up to 200 patients a week
The Lions Eye Institute's new Outback Vision Van, Western Australia's newest mobile eye health clinic, has hit the road.
The van, which will allow specialist eye care to be delivered to parts of regional and remote WA, has been made possible with the support of a $1.9 million Lotterywest grant and a $2 million Department of Health contribution.
The van is fitted with the latest specialist equipment to provide comprehensive eye care for conditions including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
The van will travel more than 24,000 kilometres each year, serving 16 regional centres and has the capacity to treat up to 200 patients a week.
The 20 metre-long mobile health facility consists of a treatment, imaging and consulting rooms, along with a reception and waiting area, kitchen and shower.
The total cost of the project was $5.2 million with the Australian Government also providing funding.
The van’s first stop was Kalgoorlie-Boulder, with further stops including Albany, Esperance, Leonora, Wiluna, Newman, Roebourne, Karratha, Port Hedland, Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra and Katanning.