Since 2018, the Indigenous and Remote Eye Service (IRIS) program has been restoring sight and independence for First Nations people across the Northern Territory. With over 1,600 cataract surgeries delivered and more planned, the program continues to transform lives through culturally safe, collaborative care.
Vision loss can lead to significant disability, reduced quality of life, and mental health challenges. The IRIS program not only restores sight—it improves overall wellbeing. For many First Nations people, regaining vision means returning to normal life, reconnecting with community, and reclaiming independence.
Thelma, a strong woman from Borroloola, Northern Territory, is a happy recipient of the benefits of the IRIS program. After losing her eyesight, she could no longer fish or garden—her favourite activities. In July 2023, she had her first cataract surgery and was overjoyed when her bandages were removed. She returned in September 2025 for her second surgery, excited to see the team again and regain full vision.
“I really want to thank all of the doctors and team for looking after me. They have helped me to be able to do fishing and hunting now and to see my grandkids and that is really good. Other people need to know to get their eyes done as it is helpful and you need your eyes to see everything and have a nice life” said Thelma.
Vanguard Health Chief Executive Officer, Tim Gallagher, said that it was a pleasure to see over a decade of collaborative hard work with the Commonwealth Department of Health now producing the positive benefits that came from the program.
“IRIS is about helping to support First Nations Australians stay connected to their communities and country though local access to eye surgery. It’s also about innovation in healthcare and how we build future models of care to improve healthcare access for ALL Australians."
“We are proud and feel very privileged to be part of a program that makes such a tangible difference for First Nations communities.”
The Indigenous and Remote Eye Health Service Program (IRIS) program provides sight-saving cataract surgeries for First Nations people across the Northern Territory in collaboration with Northern Territory Health and local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. It was created to address long surgical waitlists and reduce preventable blindness. The program delivers high-volume surgeries in culturally safe environments, in collaboration with local health services.
Vanguard Health leads the IRIS program, assembling a specialised team including an Ophthalmologist, Anaesthetist, Program Manager, Outreach Coordinator, Orthoptist/Optometrist, and Scrub Nurses. The team includes Australia’s first and only Aboriginal Ophthalmologist, Associate Professor Dr Kris Rallah-Baker and works alongside NT public hospital staff and Aboriginal Medical Services to ensure respectful, culturally safe care.
Since the start of the service, Vanguard Health has delivered 1,611 cataract surgeries—restoring vision to hundreds of First Nations people. With renewed IRIS funding commencing in July 2025, an additional 800 surgeries will be provided across the Northern Territory. Without this program, the percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples needing surgery would continue to rise.
The IRIS program values cultural safety as a core component of its service delivery. The program recognises cultural safety as a core principle that requires practitioners to reflect on their role and the role of the healthcare setting on the inequities that exist between the healthcare practitioner and the patient. Throughout the planning and execution of the IRIS program, cultural safety is the core component of service delivery and that the cultural needs of patients are central.
The IRIS program is funded through the Australian Government’s Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The program contributes to Closing the Gap target contributes towards Closing the Gap target 1 – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy long and healthy lives.
Read more about the IRIS program here: www.vanguardhealth.com.au/iris
Ophthalmologist, Associate Professor Dr Kris Rallah-Baker performing cataract surgery on an IRIS patient.
Thelma from Borroloola after her second life changing cataract surgery.