MDNZs Phillippa Pitcher speaking at one of the public events

On a mission to raise awareness of macular degeneration (MD) and improve eye health for those living in one of New Zealand’s most geographically isolated areas, Macular Degeneration New Zealand (MDNZ) has completed a tour of Northland to bridge gaps and help drive change.

“Northland faces unique challenges when it comes to eyecare. Large sections of the region – particularly north and west of Whangārei and Kerikeri – have no local optometry services, leaving many residents without easy access to essential primary eye health care,” said MDNZ general manager Sarah Berman. “Compounding this issue, 22.6% of Northland’s population is over 65, significantly higher than the national average of 16.9%.”

Over the course of a week, MDNZ community educator Phillippa Pitcher travelled through Dargaville, Kaitaia and Kerikeri, connecting with more than 100 members of the public while delivering presentations designed to inform about MD and empower people to take charge of their eye health.

The second leg of the tour was focused on strengthening MD knowledge among primary-health professionals, with visits to 25 medical centres and pharmacies from Doubtless Bay to Dargaville and from Rawene to the Bay of Islands. Pitcher provided resources to help GPs and pharmacists recognise early signs of MD, manage eye health for older patients and refer individuals to MDNZ for further support.

“The result is a successful, community-wide boost in MD awareness across Northland. Thank you to our hosts, Age Concern Kaitaia and Kaipara Grey Power Dargaville; our MDNZ Professional Friends, Drs Brian Kent-Smith and David Dalziel, and Jessica McDowell from Specsavers Kerikeri, for lending their expertise and support; and to Foundation North and LW Nelson Charitable Trust, whose generous funding enable this vital work,” Berman said.

Next, MDNZ will look to build on local engagement in Northland and planning is underway for a similar tour in Southland, an equally isolated region with a large proportion of elderly residents.