Australian of the Year Dr James Muecke has presented a fully costed plan for South Australia’s first Eye Hospital.
The renowned Adelaide-based ophthalmologist was named Australian of the Year on January 26 for his career-long commitment to improving eyesight in Australia and overseas, and will be the keynote speaker at Showcase SA’s upcoming Inspiring Leaders luncheon at Sanctuary Adelaide Zoo.
Dr Muecke formulated the plan in conjunction with Adelaide University’s Head of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Professor Robert Casson.
Together, their goal is to increase the level of ophthalmology services in South Australia to an international standard.
“The Adelaide Eye Hospital would promote patient-centred design, encourage clinical reform, contribute to efficiency and long-term sustainability of services, and reduce potential future over-capacity issues at the Royal Adelaide Hospital,” Dr Muecke said.
In providing a modern workspace that is fit for ophthalmology services in South Australia, the Adelaide Eye Hospital would provide a supportive multi-purpose environment for patient care, research and education, and foster collaboration between clinicians, research and industry.
“Research, non-government organisations and industry bodies could locate to this new state-of-the-art centre to provide a dedicated ophthalmic care facility,” Dr Muecke said.
“[It would] bring South Australia to an accepted international standard of care, and provide a centre of ophthalmic clinical excellence for its ageing population.”
It is envisaged that Dr Muecke’s charitable organisation Sight For All would also find a new home within the facility.
Sight For All was established by Muecke, Casson and Henry Newland to support the provision of high-quality eye health care projects at no-cost to communities in the organisation’s partner countries.
“The Adelaide Eye Hospital would be of enormous benefit to Sight For All,” Dr Muecke said.
“Not only would it provide us with our first real home, it would allow our staff to have an ongoing close connection with the ophthalmologists who volunteer their time and expertise on our sight-saving initiatives.”
Dr James Muecke AM will be the keynote speaker at Showcase SA’s upcoming Inspiring Leaders luncheon at Sanctuary Adelaide Zoo. This event is available as one of several benefits available to Showcase SA Platinum and Gold members. Prospective members can learn more about the event here.
