The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, in collaboration with the University of Auckland, aims to support the development of locally driven research through a new and ambitious research programme named the ‘State of Eye Health in the Pacific’.
The programme intends to develop the evidence that Pacific governments and decision makers require to establish eye health plans and policies that will strengthen and sustain their eye health systems for the long term. Key to the success of the programme, will be the engagement of ophthalmic nurses who, as the professionals at the forefront of tackling avoidable blindness, will lead the research activities in their respective countries.
In three phases over five years, through partnerships and local leadership, this research programme aims to address the current lack of information and data on Pacific eye health, and the current and future socio-economic impacts that blindness and vision impairment have on Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and their communities.
Dr Audrey Aumua, The Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, says, “Eye health is one area of public health that has remained under-resourced in the Pacific region. However, eye health leaders recognise that without increased focus on eye health now, and the development of policies and plans, PICs will face deepening socio-economic crises resulting from growing blindness and vision impairment.
Associate Professor Collin Tukuitonga, Centre Director, is pleased to work together with The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ on a neglected area in the Pacific.
“Improved knowledge enhances our ability to respond better to the needs of Pacific people in the region,” he says.
