Federal Labor gives to Asia's blind

Australia-Federal Labor said it would spend $45 million over 2 years to treat blindness in Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Pacific if it wins the next election.

International development spokesman Bob McMullan says it is unfortunate the Australian government has not done more to treat blindness in Asia and the Pacific.

In this region alone there are nearly 4.5 million people with treatable blindness. The money will be used to establish 11 vision centers throughout the area.

The program will benefit the region economically because it will allow disabled people and their families to return to work. "I've been disappointed that the government hasn't taken up this whole issue of people with disabilities," he said.