Success Story
Aboriginal Investment NT provided grant funding for the Deadly Vision Van and Patient Transport Project, which plays a central role in supporting Deadly Vision Centre’s active engagement with the Aboriginal communities to support eye health for Aboriginal people in the NT.
Founded by health practitioner Shaun Tatipata, Deadly Vision Centre is a Australia’s first Aboriginal-owned and operated eye care service delivering clinical excellence with cultural integrity.
Vision impairment makes quality of life difficult and daily tasks like driving or working are very challenging.
Over the age of 40 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have 6 times the rate of blindness of other Australians, a National Eye Health Survey Report found.[1]
Deadly Vision Centre’s eye health model is building a better system for Aboriginal Territorians.
“Our multidisciplinary team brings together optometrists, ophthalmologists and Aboriginal Health Workers to provide care that is safe, accessible and grounded in culture,” Shaun said.
Hospitalisation rates for cataract surgery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are higher in regional than in metropolitan areas.[2]
That’s why the Deadly Vision mobile van is an invaluable resource for health promotion on Country and offers a safe space for patients to receive health checks.
“From clinic-based appointments to outreach and community programs, we meet mob where they are — with respect, understanding and pride,” explains Shaun.
Shaun says eye care hasn’t always felt safe and accessible for mob.
“That’s why we do things differently. Our services are designed by mob, for mob – grounded in culture, guided by respect and focused on real care, not rushed appointments or confusing medical talk,” shared Shaun.
Vision and sight are foundational for a healthy life. Aboriginal Investment NT’s Deadly Vision Van will enable us to supply essential eye health services as a mobile clinic meeting people in towns and on-Country where people live and gather.”
The 2 leading causes of vision impairment and blindness (vision loss) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia aged 50 and over in 2022 to 2025 were uncorrected refractive error (38%), cataract (34%).[3]
Keratoconjunctivitis outbreaks affected AFL NT teams around Darwin in 2026 which can cause blurred vision and pain due to exposure muddy and wet fields. Early recognition and appropriate management reduce complications.[4]
Aboriginal Investment NT’s funding has helped Deadly Eye Centre to increase their remote presence at local sporting events like the Deadly Cup Carnival, AFLNT/NTFL/BRFL footy games, and cultural festivals such as Barunga Festival and Garma Festival.
“The Patient Transport Vehicle is alleviating access barriers to eye healthcare diagnostics and treatment by providing reliable and safe transport directly to the Deadly Vision Van or to the Deadly Vision Centre in Darwin,” said Shaun.
“We are reshaping how health care is delivered. As an Aboriginal enterprise, we’re creating a future where the system works for community – not the other way around. Our work closes gaps, strengthens trust and champions self-determination in health and wellbeing.”
Find out about Aboriginal Investment NT’s grants here.
Visit the Deadly Vision Centre website and book an eye check.
[1] Australian Government, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, National Eye Health Survey Report, 5 May 2011 [2] Australian Government, Australian institute of Health and Welfare, Indigenous eye health measures 2018: in brief, 6 August 2019 [3] Australian Government, Australian institute of Health and Welfare, Eye Health Measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2026: interactive data, 19 Feb 2026 [4] NT Health, Centre for Disease Control, Public health alert, Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in AFL NT football players, 30 March 2026.
