July 23, 2025
It’s been one year since the SWAMS eye clinic Moorditj Miyal (meaning strong eyes in Noongar) opened its doors — and already it’s changed hundreds of lives in the community, including those of some students.
Alicia Khan speaks with SWAMS Optometry nurse Sarah Haynes during an eye check appointment.
Alicia Khan, one of the clinic’s first clients, said she wouldn’t have sought private eye care because of the cost. But at SWAMS, she felt supported to act early after an eye check raised alarm bells about her diabetes control. That support helped her avoid serious diabetic eye damage.
“I’ve got the motivation now to change my lifestyle, it’s great that everything’s here.”
To learn more about Alicia’s story, follow this link.
Susannah Parker, another client, shared how calm and culturally safe the service felt — especially during a medical emergency. “I didn’t feel panicky at all because everybody was doing their job,” she said, adding that she was referred on quickly and calmly, helping her receive the specialised hospital treatment she needed.
These stories are just a few from the more than 250 Aboriginal clients who accessed life-changing care in the clinic’s first year.
Located in Bunbury, the SWAMS Eye Clinic is an Aboriginal community‑led service developed in partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, the University of Western Australia, UDRHSW and other key supporters. In May, the clinic received national recognition at the NATSIEHC25 conference in Perth, winning the Exceptional Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Award.
Optometry Nurse Sarah Haynes and Optometrist Norman Brandon were pleased to accept an award recently.
SWAMS nurse Sarah Haynes, a proud Noongar and Njamal woman, has been part of the clinic since day one. She comes to work each day knowing her work is life-changing for many of her own community members.
In its first year, the clinic provided routine eye checks at the clinic, along with school and outreach screenings — helping to close the eye health gap across the south-west.
It also supported final-year optometry students from the University of Western Australia with multiple placements.
SWAMS client Tahn Donovan was pleased to meet Optometry students during her eye health check.
Client Tahn Donovan was pleased to meet some of these students during a check-up at the service. “The clinic’s paying it forward by helping educate new professionals to understand how to work with our community, gain experience alongside Aboriginal professionals, and meet community members,” she said. “When they go out and start practising, they’ll be able to offer a better service to our community.”
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.