Valentyna is a 73-year-old Ukrainian refugee. She lives in Crows Nest with her son.  We are appealing to politicians to grant her immediate access to Medicare for urgent medical interventions, before she goes blind.  Please stand with us to help save her vision.

Her current visa is unsuitable for her circumstances as she is currently not entitled to Medicare, despite being a genuine refugee fleeing the war in Ukraine. She speaks only Russian, is frail, and relies on walking aids provided by local community members. She lives with her son, who is a student and unable to provide the level of financial support currently required.

Her medical situation is urgent. We are working with a local charity in Crows Nest to help coordinate appointments. She has been assessed at OPSM in Crows Nest where specialists confirmed the following:

She requires cataract surgery on her right eye;
She urgently needs monthly injections to halt macular degeneration in that eye;
Her left eye is already too damaged to be saved, and she is effectively blind in that eye;
Without swift treatment, she may lose sight in her remaining functional eye, and could become fully blind.

Thank you for your support.