What needs to be done?
To support the policy context and the goal of eliminating avoidable blindness and vision loss by 2020, Clear focus: the economic impact of vision loss in New Zealand in 2009 outlines a number of recommendations. These include:
- Political commitment to eliminate avoidable blindness in line with World Health Assembly and VISION 2020 commitments to eye health. New Zealand's commitment to eliminating avoidable blindness needs to be supported by Government, all political parties, the Ministry of Health, all 20 District Health Boards and the private sector.
- Development of a ten year comprehensive eye health strategy with measurable targets for reduction and elimination of vision loss. This will enable New Zealand to meet the goals outlined in the World Health Assembly's Action Plan for the Prevention of Avoidable Blindness and Visual Impairment. The socio-economic consequences of blindness and vision loss outlined in this report justify active monitoring and refinement of interventions.
- Inclusion of eye health factors in District Health Board targets. Sight loss has significant effects on health and wellbeing. Eye health and public awareness should be included as new Targets, or included within related Targets (such as "better help for smokers to quit" and "better diabetes services"). This would raise awareness of vision as part of overall health.
- Collecting epidemiological data on population eye health to guide policy development. In particular, there are significant gaps in knowledge related to vision loss in the Māori and Pacific populations. More understanding is needed about the complexities that lie behind high prevalence rates of vision loss among Māori and barriers to early detection and treatment.
- Better integration of eye health care with primary health care, chronic disease management and rehabilitation providers, particularly for those with diabetes-related eye conditions. Education of general medical practitioners, nurses and allied healthcare professionals would aid detection of vision loss and speed appropriate referral.
- Investigating equity of access to eye care including services for early detection, treatment and correction. Access in rural communities and in Māori, Pacific, and other high needs populations is of particular concern.
- Establishing an evidence base specific to New Zealand against which progress in fighting blindness can be monitored. Appropriate forms of correcting refractive error can address up to 55% of impaired vision.
- Stronger partnerships and collaboration among all stakeholders including eye health professionals, low vision services, rehabilitation providers, employers, technology providers, the welfare system and the blind community.
This page is part of the overview report Clear Focus: The economic impact of vision loss in New Zealand in 2009.
