The Epidemiology of Blinding Eye Disease Study (EBEDS) will accurately determine the number of severely vision impaired people living in Western Australia. The EBEDS team has been collating data both within the Association and in ophthalmic clinics in Perth and rural regions of WA over the past two years. Additionally a total of 239 severely vision impaired clients have been reviewed in the validation clinics.

Throughout this collaborative research project we have been privileged to work with leading ophthalmologists and researchers from:

Eye Health Grant

As part of the National Eye Health Initiative Eye Health Program, we received a grant from the Australian Government to establish an Eye Testing Kiosk, Eye Health Information Kiosk and Eye Health Education Program.

The Eye Testing Kiosk, located in our Woodside Guide Dog Discovery Centre, allows a member of the public to undertake their own eye screening for standard acuity, stereo vision, colour blindness and colour hue.

Two portable Eye Health Information Kiosks provide a range of information relating to vision loss such as, fact sheets and interactive videos. An online connection to specific and authoritative websites enables data to be regularly refreshed and updated.

These innovative and ground-breaking devices have gained industry recognition and will contribute to the potential for teleophthalmology (retinal and anterior segment imaging), particularly in rural and remote regions. The Lions Eye Institute has played a critical role in leading and supporting this critical area of our development.

Our ‘Eye Health Education Program' disseminated eye health and prevention messages to the broader community through a range of activities including open days, hand-outs at community events as well as metropolitan and regional workshops.

Continuing Commitment to Self Management

Eight of our staff have undertaken specialist training to enable them to become accredited Self Management trainers. Our partnership with Professor Tanya Packer from Curtin University has seen the development, refinement and publication of three manuals which will become long term resources for the Association:

Living Safe
Caring for Carers
Advanced Self Management Training.

We are currently exploring opportunities to apply the programs and manuals within the aged care sector.

More Information

More information on research into eye health, blindness and vision impairment is available from: