Why did you decide to do a Masters?

I wanted to deepen my understanding of research and public health.  I saw it as a chance to develop research skills that could help improve patient outcomes, influence healthcare policy, and address gaps in service, especially in underserved areas like South Auckland.

Can you tell us about your Masters project topic?

My Master’s thesis focused on the non-attendance at Diabetes Eye Services in South Auckland and the impact of COVID-19. Specifically, I wanted to understand the factors that led to patients missing their scheduled eye exams for diabetic retinopathy screening and diabetic eye assessments within a tertiary ophthalmology setting over a two-year period including during the Covid 19 pandemic.

My research showed that age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status were associated with non-attendance at diabetic retinopathy screening services, and that Covid restrictions during this time presented additional barriers for diabetic patients.

I chose this topic because diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in people with diabetes, and South Auckland has a higher proportion of people from ethnic groups at greater risk of both diabetes and related eye complications. 

What were the highlights of doing your Masters?

One of the biggest highlights of doing my Master’s was the opportunity to conduct research that could potentially make a real difference in patient attendance and hence patient care and outcomes.

Another highlight was the satisfaction of analysing data and uncovering patterns that could inform practical interventions. The process of collecting data, interpreting it, and then seeing the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the problem was intellectually fulfilling.

I also appreciated the chance to develop stronger research, writing, statistical analysis, and critical thinking skills.

How has the experience you gained during your Masters contributed to your work?

The experience I gained during my Master’s has greatly influenced my work. The research process honed my ability to critically assess healthcare problems and solutions, which has been of great help in my clinical role at Counties Manukau. I now feel more confident in understanding and evaluating the health disparities that exist within different patient populations. This has helped me better communicate with my patients, especially in communities with high rates of diabetes, where education about eye care and screening is crucial. Additionally, the data analysis skills I developed during my research has helped in a recent clinic audit.

What advice would you give other optometrists thinking about doing a Masters?

My advice would be to approach the decision with clear goals in mind. The Master’s journey can be intense, and it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve.

Going back to study (while working) was challenging but achievable, and ultimately very rewarding. You have to balance work and study, so it helps if you’re organized and set realistic expectations for yourself. I found that planning ahead and dedicating specific times to study made a huge difference. However, it’s also important to have support from family, colleagues, and supervisors.

One thing I would recommend is selecting a project topic that you’re passionate about—something that resonates with your professional interests and goals. Having a personal connection to your research will make the process more enjoyable and meaningful. It requires dedication and the ability to balance your professional and personal commitments.

Why did you decide to do a PhD?

I would say the PhD chose me. I have been working in the optics space for more than 20 years now, and I have seen in the impacts of a privately funded health care model that creates inequities for consumers of Optometry services. In my own clinics I witnessed vast difference in services and outcomes for Māori patients. There is a large knowledge gap around Māori eyecare and use of Kaupapa Māori in Optometry in particular. With some intervention from my tupuna (grandmother) this path felt like the next step in making a meaningful impact in Optometry.

What’s the most challenging part of your studies so far?

The biggest challenge has been returning to academia from a clinical position and multiple community and governance roles. I was fortunate enough to secure a Clinical Research Fellowship through Health Research Council which contributed significantly by reducing the financial deficit that clinicians usually face if they return to do postgraduate studies.

As an alternative pathway applicant, I have had an incredible year of learning opportunities as I get up to speed with my other research colleagues. I think the feeling of imposter syndrome is very real in this space and it was comforting to learn that even those with significant research background still experience the same concerns that I do around progress of projects and validity of their research.

Working in Indigenous research adds another layer of complexity. Ensuring that the research meets the academic rigour of the Western system while being relationally accountable to our research partners and communities is at times near impossible. Working with Indigenous communities means that all processes and should be culturally appropriate and respected and that there is space for ceremony and tikanga. It is critical that I be very intentional to centre Māori and whānau voice as well, as Maori worldviews are important if we are to develop intergenerational strategies that address inequities. The western concept and indigenous concepts of time have been at odds during this process. ‘Mā te wā’ or all in good time.

What’s the most rewarding part?

The most rewarding part has been the opportunity to meet and learn from experts in equity and Indigenous eye health research. There is an obvious appetite from the local and global community toward more equitable outcomes for Māori and Indigenous Peoples, and it has been rewarding to contribute to conversations that address this. It’s a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place.

What was it like officially completing the first year of your PhD?

Giving my confirmation talk and looking back at what was completed during my first year gave me an immense sense of achievement and a clearer sense of direction for my work. But preparing for my provisional year review was challenging! Reprioritising my time and stepping back from several roles has helped me refine my focus and objectives into achievable goals for the remainder of the PhD journey. Like many processes in a PhD, you learn a lot and know how you would do things differently next time.

What are you focusing on now as you head into your second year?

Building on the strong foundation of my first year, I look forward to the next phases of my research and elevating the voices of our Māori, whānau, students, and practitioners in eyecare. I’m focusing on connecting with Indigenous Eyecare experts (and hopefully finding some more along the way!) to help inform a new eye health system that may lead to changes in how eyecare is delivered.