FED: Program to reduce diabetic blindness

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-1999
FED: Program to reduce diabetic blindness

Australia will become the first country to implement a national program to prevent diabetic
blindness.

Federal Health Minister MICHAEL WOOLDRIDGE says almost 800,000 Australians suffer from
diabetes.

However, he says most are unaware they have a greater risk of going blind because of their
condition, with some 44,000 people considered to be at direct risk.

Dr WOOLDRIDGE says he expects to cut by half the number of people at risk of blindness
through the $500,000 Diabetes Eye Health Program, encouraging regular eye screening for
diabetes sufferers.

He says the problem can be treated if identified early.

AAP RTV ljm/imc/wz/rat/jn

KEYWORD: DIABETES (MELBOURNE)

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