The estimated number, and proportion of First Nations adults in at-risk communities with trichiasis: Measure 1.3.2

On this page:

Repeated trachoma infections can result in scarring and in-turned eye lashes, trichiasis. Early detection and treatment of trichiasis can prevent blindness.

Latest data

In 2024, among First Nations people aged 15 and over examined in trachoma endemic regions, 9 new cases of trichiasis were reported, a prevalence rate of 0.05%. No new cases of trichiasis were reported among First Nations people aged 15–39 years examined meaning all cases were found in those aged 40 years and over (Figure 10).

Figure 10: Prevalence of trichiasis in at-risk Indigenous communities by age, 2024

Dual avertical bar charts, among First Nations people aged 40 years and over examined in trachoma endemic regions, 9 new cases of trichiasis were reported.

Dual avertical bar charts, among First Nations people aged 40 years and over examined in trachoma endemic regions, 9 new cases of trichiasis were reported.

Notes

  1. Data are crude rates as a proportion of persons reported as examined for trichiasis in 2024.
  2.  The data cover the 165 communities screened in 2024 (1 in Qld, 62 in WA, 13 in SA, and 89 in the NT).
  3. This number may not account for all adults who may be examined in routine adult health checks and may also include multiple patient screenings. Screening is linked to trachoma endemic regions and does not consider changing endemic regions over time and transiency between regions.

Source: Australian Trachoma Surveillance Report 2024 (Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, 2025).

By Jurisdiction

Of the 3 jurisdictions that reported trichiasis screening in 2024, the prevalence of trichiasis among First Nations people aged 40 and over was 0% in Western Australia, 0.49% in South Australia and 0.07% in the Northern Territory (Figure 11). 

Figure 11: Prevalence of trichiasis in at-risk Indigenous communities, by jurisdiction, 2024

Dual vertical bar charts showing, of the 4 jurisdictions that screened, 0.7% of First Nations adults aged 40 and over in Qld had trichiasis.

Dual vertical bar charts showing, of the 4 jurisdictions that screened, 0.7% of First Nations adults aged 40 and over in Qld had trichiasis.

Notes

  1.  Data are crude rates, as a proportion of persons reported as examined for trichiasis in 2024.
  2. The data cover the 165 communities screened in 2024 (1 in Qld, 62 in WA, 13 in SA, and 89 in the NT).

 Source: Australian Trachoma Surveillance Report 2024 (Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, 2025).

Previous page
Next page