Dr Liz Craig MP, John Mulka, with MPs Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, Simon Court, Dr Anae Neru Leavasa, Toni Severin and Andrew Little, minister of health

In the presence of health minister Andrew Little, Eye Health Aotearoa (EHA) handed over its petition to have the government fund a national eye health survey.

EHA deputy chair Sue Emirali spoke passionately about the need for the survey and shared her personal story, before EHA chair John Mulka officially handed the petition to MPs Dr Liz Craig and Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Eye Health.

It was a very effective and meaningful day for all concerned, Mulka said, adding EHA hopes its petition showed the government how important it is for Aotearoa New Zealand to gather the data and prevent avoidable sight loss. Little said the petition was timely, since Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority are looking to fill data gaps. Next, the EHA chair will write to the associate minister for Māori health, Peeni Henare and the minister of health to request a meeting.

Sign EHA’s prevent vision loss petition at EHA's website or via Change.org.