Meet you at the Beehive! Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Join Eye Health Aotearoa (EHA) and the Parliamentary Friends of Eye Health for World Sight Day on 7 October at Parliament to raise awareness of the importance of eye health and drive policy change.

To be hosted in the historic Legislative Council Chamber, the event will bring together MPs, clinicians, patients, care organisations and key stakeholders to highlight the importance of regular eye checks, early intervention and stronger eye health policies, EHA said, with Specsavers providing vision screening for parliamentary staff throughout the day.

“We are entering an exciting period as we work to ensure eye health is firmly on the national agenda and are delighted to have Honorary Sam Uffindell and Honorary Dr Ayesha Verrall confirmed as co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends group,” the eye health coalition said. Encouraging members of New Zealand’s eye health community to join, EHA said please RSVP promptly to info@eha.org.nz as there is space for just 120 guests.

Sharpening the focus – awareness campaign 2025

EHA is also launching its annual awareness campaign this month, delivering messages highlighting the importance of regular eye health checks. The campaign will be displayed on billboards and outdoor media targeting high-risk groups. Building on last year’s children’s eye health campaign, this year’s will again share videos and multilingual posters with schools nationwide. “These free resources remain available on our website and promote behavioural changes children can make to reduce the risk of myopia.”

Election 2026 – have your say

EHA is also consulting with its trustee member organisations, allies, partners and supporters on their ‘wish list’ for advocacy priorities in the lead-up to the 2026 General Election, again encouraging people to share their thoughts via info@eha.org.nz.