Former Highlander Rheanna Lotter's artwork is helping to close the gap in eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
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Specsavers and The Fred Hollows Foundation have once again joined forces to launch two limited edition frames, this time featuring the artwork of contemporary Aboriginal artist Rheanna Lotter.
Rheanna is a proud Yuin nation woman and her business Ngandabaa is where she creates and sells her artwork.
With $25 from each pair of glasses sold donated to The Foundation, each purchase ensures that more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples can access high quality eye care and eyewear.
The limited edition range was released exclusively online through Specsavers' website from 5 November 5 and in-store nationwide 12 November 12.
Available in optical or prescription sunglasses styles, the artwork featured on the limited edition glasses entitled 'Saltwater Dreamin' is a story about sustainability.
"This painting shows our incredible waterways. We must always remember the importance of caring for them and it's our job to ensure we maintain and sustain our environment for future generations," Rheanna said.
"I'm very passionate about preservation, and that extends beyond the environment and is what drew me to this project. It's been interesting to see my artwork translated onto glasses.
"Knowing that every pair will make a real difference in the Aboriginal community as well as raise awareness of Aboriginal Art and its importance in culture makes it a project I really wanted to be involved in."
The Foundation's Director of Program Implementation in Oceania which includes the Indigenous Australia Program, Jaki Adams-Barton, welcomed this latest project.
"It's essential that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have access to good quality eye screening services and glasses," he said.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are three times more likely to suffer vision loss or blindness than non-Indigenous Australians. The funds raised through the sale of these limited edition frames will go towards funding projects that will help provide eye care through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, to ensure access to high quality, culturally safe, patient centric eye care services."
Specsavers Director of Optometry Ben Ashby said Specsavers had been a proud partner of The Fred Hollows Foundation since 2011 and to date has donated over $3.3 million to support their Indigenous Australia Program, with more than $300,000 raised from the sale of previous limited edition ranges.
"We believe that everyone should have access to quality eye care and we're passionate about working with The Fred Hollows Foundation to close the gap by improving the delivery of eye health services and improving patient outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples," he said.
Priced from $199 for 2 pairs single vision, the limited edition frames are available exclusively at Specsavers.
Visit: www.specsavers.com.au for more information or to purchase the frames online.
Previously limited edition frames have included artwork from renowned Aboriginal artist Gumatj leader, Peter Datjing Burarrwanga and two works by the late Aboriginal artist, Langaliki Langaliki.
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