Future looks bright thanks to fresh specs for southern Cape York residents

Almost two-metres of floodwater stormed through Wujal Wujal in December last year, washing away homes and possessions — including seeing eyeglasses. But now they’ve all received a new pair.

Wujal Wujal health worker Alice Tayley is distributing 43 pairs of glasses to residents who lost their frames during the Far North flood late last year. (Samuel Davis)

Seeing the world clearly is something Wujal Wujal health worker Alice Tayley doesn’t take for granted.

“Last year I went to Weipa to have a cataract in my right eye removed,” Ms Tayley said. “I’ve had my left eye operated on too.”

While in western Cape York, the proud grandmother received a brand new pair of bi-focals.

But like many residents living in the remote Indigenous community, Ms Tayley’s prized frames went missing during the Far North flood last December which inundated 26 houses in the town.

Concerned by the sudden surge in patients with blurry vision, Ms Tayley and others set about sourcing fresh frames for community members who’d lost their specs during the deluge.

In all, 43 new pairs have been sourced with the help of Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.

“Everybody who lost their glasses in the flood has been happy to get new ones,” Ms Tayley said.

“They’re happy to see properly again, instead of squinting.

“They can read the paper and noticeboards again, some haven’t been able to drive their cars.”

Watching friends and families’ expressions change as they look through their new lenses is a special experience, Ms Tayley said.

“They have a big smile on their face and say, ‘This is the one I’ve been waiting for’,” she said.

“People kept saying to me before, ‘When are the glasses coming?’

“People are ringing. ‘Are my glasses there yet?’”

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service chief executive Rex O'Rourke. (Samuel Davis)

TCHHS CEO Rex O’Rourke said the service had worked closely with the community to address their needs after its 300 residents were evacuated following the flood.

“Supplying reading and sight glasses for residents has been another small step to returning life to normal,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“It is a reminder of the great responsibility we have as a Health Service, but also a privilege of seeing how much of an impact we can have on an individual and a community.”

After almost two-metres of floodwater stormed through the Wujal Wujal Primary Health Care Centre, a temporary clinic was established.

Originally published as Future looks bright thanks to fresh specs for southern Cape York residents