Analysis of the roles and training needs for Regional Eye Health Coordinators

Eye care services are currently provided within Aboriginal Community Controlled Services (ACCHS) by visiting optometrist and ophthalmologist teams. The coordination of such services is usually conducted by the Regional Eye Health Coordinators (REHC) located within selected regions. These roles were established in response to a key recommendation following the review of eye health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, in 1997. 2 The visiting eye care team is accompanied by the local REHC or Eye Health Worker (EHW). The EHW is usually a health worker who provides administrative support for the visiting eye care team when needed and is not a full time employed eye health worker.