Four-year-old Joaquin lives in the remote community of Jimbalakudunj, 100 kilometres northwest of Fitzroy Crossing. Last year he almost lost sight in one eye, however with swift intervention from Lions Outback Vision his vision was restored.

In late 2023, Joaquin’s right eye was punctured in an accident. He was immediately taken to Fitzroy Crossing Hospital Emergency Department where staff assessed his condition as needing urgent intervention to save his sight.

Initially, a decision was made to transfer Joaquin to Perth via a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) flight. However, after looking at the case RFDS and Fitzroy Crossing Hospital doctors recommended treatment in Broome, where Lions Outback Vision’s resident eye care specialists Dr Vaibhav Shah and Dr Yachana Shah were on hand.

Upon transfer to Broome Hospital that very same day, Joaquin underwent surgery for a full-thickness corneal laceration. Following successful treatment he was discharged, and returned to his community the day after surgery. A comprehensive follow up plan was developed by the Lions Outback Vision team, to be carried out by visiting ophthalmology and optometry services near to the remote community where he lives.

Dr Yachana Shah said the presence of the Lions Outback Vision team at the Kimberley Eye Hub in Broome not only freed the RFDS plane to attend five other transfers waiting in the area, but enabled Joaquin and his family to avoid a lengthy trip and stay in Perth.

Despite scar marks and some deformities in the front of the affected eye, she remains optimistic about Joaquin’s visual prognosis. “He will have some permanent vision loss due to the scar, however his eye will continue to be useful in what it will contribute to his field of vision and depth perception,” she said.