Keratoconus Australia

Keratoconus Australia Inc is a not-for-profit association created to prevent and control the eye disease, keratoconus, and visual impairment caused by keratoconus. The association was registered in April 2000 and is operated by volunteers. At present, it is completely self-funded. The association is currently administered by a five-person managemen... t committee. All committee members have keratoconus or are parents of children with keratoconus. Full membership of the association is open only to people with keratoconus. But anybody can become a supporter of the Association. Keratoconus Australia believes there are a number of ways to prevent and control the impact of keratoconus in the community. Our efforts are directed in particular at: (1) raising the awareness and understanding in the medical, optometric and general community of keratoconus, its signs, symptoms and effects; (2) promoting research into the causes, prevention and control of keratoconus; and (3) acting as a representative body on behalf of people with keratoconus and providing, where necessary, counselling, support and referrals to the people with keratoconus and their families. We are already providing support for people with keratoconus and their families through regular group meetings, help lines, individual counseling and the dissemination of information. We are also: Assisting people to find optometrists and ophthalmologists / corneal surgeons experienced in treating keratoconus Helping to develop a network of support groups throughout Australia. Publishing a regular electronic newsletter with information on a wide range of issues affecting people with keratoconus. Acting as a representative group for keratoconus patients to improve health rebates for treatments (contact lens and solutions, glasses) and corneal surgery, and to obtain higher funding for local research into the condition and recognition of keratoconus as a disability. Developing a national registry and database on Australian keratoconus patients designed to assist in ...Read More