With the NSW state election a week away, Vision 2020 Australia called on all political parties to commit to effective solutions for urgent eye health issues in the state. The organisation specifically highlighted lengthy waiting times for cataract surgery and limited access to sight-saving eye injection treatments in the public hospital system.

Vision 2020 Australia CEO Carly Iles pointed out that New South Wales had the longest median wait times for cataract surgery in Australia, significantly above the national average, and stressed that reducing delays and expanding treatment access is critical to prevent unnecessary vision loss.

Long waiting times were noted to have broader health impacts, including higher fall risks and diminished independence for affected individuals. The organisation urged stronger commitments to eye health policy ahead of the election.