Thank you PP Peter Rogers for this terrific summary: "Prof Hugh Taylor AC presented The 2020 Angus Mitchell Oration on 29th April 2020:
This was 50th occasion of this oration, the first having been given by Rev I B M Parsons in 1971 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rotary Club of Melbourne
Prof Taylor’s topic was “How to fix a leaky pipe, providing equity in eye health”
When Goneril, the eldest of King Lear’s three daughters, says “I love you more than eyesight, space or freedom, beyond wealth or anything of value” (King Lear, Act1, Scene1) she expresses the value we all put on sight. Hugh Taylor’s outstanding presentation of the 50th Angus Mitchell Oration focused on Equity in Eye Care – particularly for indigenous people.
Indigenous children start life with the best eyesight, but by middle age this has often been severely damaged by disease, poor hygiene, and reduced access to health care. Professor Taylor decided in 2008 that a more concerted approach was necessary to change the system – which he compared to a leaky pipe. There were lots of leaks and cracks in the health system. He set out to develop a National Approach, raising awareness with the theme “Clean Faces, Strong Eyes”.
Prof Taylor acknowledged Rotary’s efforts to support the program to eliminate trachoma by 2020 with the interactive water trailers, soap, washers and bathroom mirrors. This has contributed to reduced incidence of trachoma to a 4% rate among indigenous children. However he stressed that more intensive action will be necessary. The Equity goal is yet to be achieved."
Peter Rogers
3rd May 2020
