July 23, 2025
Alicia Khan learned about the SWAMS Moorditj Miyal eye health service while she was having a routine health check last year, and became one of the clinic’s first optometry clients.
She was asked if she had ever had a diabetic eye screening. She had worn glasses for a long time and had attended regular eye appointments in the past, but had missed at least one — it had been four years between check-ups.
Once the check was completed she felt her SWAMS diabetes eye check was more thorough than those that had been done in the past.
“I know that this should happen every two years,” she said, adding that she had lapsed in her care for herself while tackling other life challenges.
She was found to have a small fluid cyst behind her eye – something that can result from having elevated blood sugars.
It gave her quite a scare.
While early stages of diabetic retinopathy might not cause any symptoms, as it progresses, it can lead to blurred vision, dark spots or even blindness if untreated.
It’s one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults.
“I’m glad it gave me that scare because it’s motivated me to do a lot better – get everything under control.”
Optometry nurse Sarah Haynes said the new equipment at SWAMS was sensitive enough to notice the issue.
“The machine we picked it up with is pretty high tech. If it was in a private practice you would have had to pay for it,” she said.
Alicia said she wouldn’t have requested this service at a private clinic because it was too expensive and didn’t feel like a priority at the time.
“I wouldn’t have paid for it. You can’t really afford to do all that,” she said.
“I told others about it and that I was one of the first people to use all the equipment so that was good – it was exciting.
“It makes you feel more comfortable knowing that it’s here – it’s a better atmosphere. “
Alicia was referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist), and has also worked with her health team next door at the main SWAMS clinic to bring her diabetes under better control.
“I try to eat as healthy as I can,” she said, adding that her ophthalmologist doesn’t need to see her for another year and that her eye condition has stabilised.
“I’ve got the motivation now to change my lifestyle and habits – I don’t drink anymore. I eat better, drink more water. And never smoked. Just simple things.”
“It’s great that everything’s here.”
For more information about Moorditj Miyal, go to https://www.swams.com.au/service/optometry.
If you haven’t had your eyes checked in a while, or have noticed some changes, phone us on 1800 779 000.