16 August 2010	
	
Inquiry into Disability Care and Support
Productivity Commission
GPO Box 1428 
Canberra City  ACT  2601	
	
INQUIRY INTO DISABILITY CARE AND SUPPORT – Preliminary response from Vision 2020 Australia

Established in October 2000, Vision 2020 Australia is part of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, a global initiative of the World Health Organisation and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.

As the national peak body for eye health and vision care, Vision 2020 Australia leads advocacy efforts and raises community awareness about eye health and vision care on behalf of more than 60 organisations. 

Vision 2020 Australia was instrumental in advocating for the development of the National Framework for Action to Promote Eye Health and Prevent Avoidable Blindness and Vision Loss (National Framework). This document sets out a strategic framework for action for the promotion of eye health and the prevention of avoidable blindness. It aims to provide a blueprint for nationally coordinated action by governments, health professionals, non-government organisations, industry and other stakeholders.

In 2009, Vision 2020 Australia secured the Australian Government’s commitment to develop a complementary national framework for low vision and rehabilitation, working in consultation with the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). 

Vision 2020 Australia commends the Australian Government for enhancing public awareness of disability issues and elevating the disability agenda as a national priority. The suite of policies and frameworks will help to ensure that disability is embedded within cross-portfolio policy and programs, providing a whole-of-government approach to supporting people with disability and their carers. The Australian Government is to be acknowledged for engaging the disability sector through community consultation and actively seeking feedback on draft policies and frameworks. 

Vision 2020 Australia and its members (listed at Attachment 1) have proven working relationships with the Australian Government and are well placed to comment on a Disability Care and Support Scheme from the perspective of the eye health and vision care sector. Importantly, Vision 2020 Australia is supportive of its member organisations and has encouraged them to submit proposals in response to the Inquiry. 

Vision 2020 Australia looks forward to responding further to the Inquiry during the next phase of consultation. 

Yours sincerely

Jennifer Gersbeck
Chief Executive Officer