Currently, there is a shortage of eye health training activities for Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Eye Health Coordinators working in the Northern Territory. ICEE has received a National Eye Health Initiative (NEHI) Grant from the Australian Government, to develop and deliver a training programme aimed at further developing the eye care skills and knowledge of such health professionals.

Aboriginal Eye Health Coordinators are the key to the organisation and the delivery of culturally appropriate eye and vision care services to Aboriginal people. They are responsible for ensuring that patients in their communities receive the eye care they need by arranging for service providers, patient appointments and follow-up, patient transport, the supply and delivery of affordable spectacles, and identifying those at risk by conducting vision and eye health screenings.

Due to geographical, financial and other barriers, a large proportion of the Aboriginal population within the Northern Territory receives little, if any, regular eye care. The NT has a population of around 205,900 and, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 29% of the population, or approximately 60,000 people are Aboriginal. Much of the population is also located in rural and remote areas, without permanent access to eye care.

In February 2008, 10 trainees attended a one week workshop targeting the Aboriginal Eye Health Coordinators from across the NT. A refresher workshop will be held in 2009.
In June 2008, 12 trainees attended a 4 day workshop targeting the Aboriginal Health Workers from the greater Darwin region. A refresher workshop will be held in 2009.