nz eye health survey - a man sits at a slit lamp

Our projects

We aim to identify ways to deliver more accessible and equitable eye health services to improve eye health in Aotearoa, particularly for under-served communities.

We are conducting research, firstly to understand eye health needs in Aotearoa, and secondly to develop and test solutions that will address unmet need and improve access to eye health services for everyone living in Aotearoa.

Our research projects

Population-based eye health survey

Two female recruiters walk down a streetIn 2023, we will begin New Zealand’s first population-based eye health survey. This multi-disciplinary HRC-funded project aims to promote healthy ageing, with a focus on improving access to health services for people living with eye, hearing, or foot problems, particularly if they also have diabetes.

Vision Bus Aotearoa

Launched in June 2022, a mobile full-service eye clinic aims to make eye health services more accessible to a range of hard-to-reach or historically under-served communities. Read more…

Improving equitable access to diabetes eye services

Te Whare Piringa - eye testing at a community centreWe have received HRC funding (2020-23) to explore how diabetes eye health services can be more accessible and responsive in Auckland and Counties Manukau.  Read more…

Community Spectacle Scheme

A woman does the thumbs up while wearing a new pair of spectaclesEstablished in 2021 to support SOVS Community Eye Health teaching and research activities, the Scheme is part of a wider programme to make eye care more accessible to all New Zealanders.  Read more…

Reviewing the evidence

While we have unique challenges in Aotearoa, we recognise we can learn from evaluating eye health services in other countries. Read more…