Eye health workers in Central Australia have restored sight to 48 Indigenous patients from remote communities during a week-long surgery session in Alice Springs.

The Central Australian Integrated Eye Health Program is a partnership between The Australian Government, The Northern Territory Government, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation, The Eye Foundation and The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Since 2007, the program has restored vision to around 464 people from remote communities such as Docker River, Mititjulu, Kintore, Yuelamu, Ti Tree and Barkly. Patients travel up to nine hours to receive surgery that would not be possible outside of Alice Springs Hospital.

The surgery session follows the recent signing of a Statement of Collaboration in Alice Springs - to establish a new collaborative framework and strategy to improve eye care in Central Australia.

The Fred Hollows Foundation has recommitted to raising $3 million to help establish a permanent facility that will service patients from remote regions.