Established in August 2012, Ophthalmology New Zealand (ONZ) was created to unify and advocate for the country’s ophthalmic community and, above all, its patients.

ONZ’s vision is to ensure the highest standard of eyecare across Aotearoa New Zealand, providing information, resources and advocacy tailored specifically to the nation’s needs.

While the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) oversees clinical education in both Australia and New Zealand, ONZ maintains a distinctly Kiwi perspective. Our organisation directly engages with insurers, government agencies, Pharmac, ACC and other key stakeholders, ensuring that advocacy efforts reflect New Zealand’s regulatory and commercial context.

ONZ’s board is comprised of volunteer ophthalmologists from various regions and sub-specialties to ensure broad representation. It is currently chaired by Dr Sonya Bennett, supported by treasurer Dr Mike O’Rourke and Drs Michael Merriman, Dean Corbett and Malcolm Carey. This collective leadership is dedicated to advancing equitable access to eyecare, regardless of whether it is provided in the public or private sector.

The organisation functions as both a watchdog and a facilitator, connecting with stakeholders, pinpointing local and national challenges and delivering education and networking opportunities for its members.

While diligently working to ensure we inform our members, offering training in commercial matters and networking opportunities for our ophthalmologists, we have continued to advocate for our members and their patients.

ONZ’s advocacy has led to tangible outcomes on issues unique to New Zealand. For example, in 2020, ONZ coordinated a strategy among ophthalmologists to safely reopen practices after the Covid-19 lockdown. Some initiatives, such as increasing patient access to technologies, like minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in 2023, required years of background negotiations with health insurers.

In 2024 and 2025, we brought major ophthalmic stakeholders to the table. After raising critical issues with the health minister in 2024, such as the discrepancy in surgical intervention rates in Aotearoa New Zealand compared to international standards, we proposed a three-tiered solution¹. At that meeting, we also raised issues we are facing, such as funding, training and retaining our ophthalmology registrars.

In 2025, in collaboration with Health New Zealand, RANZCO and the Eye Health National Clinic Network, we are working to address some of these issues by increasing access and developing a private-public training programme.

ONZ’s strength lies in its ability to unite all stakeholders in New Zealand ophthalmology, fulfilling the founders’ vision of a strong, unified voice to advocate for both professionals and patients throughout the country.

1. National Eye Institute (NIH). Cataract Tables: 2010 US. Age-Specific prevalence rates for cataract by age, gender, and race/ethnicity. 2020: www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-health-data-and-statistics/cataract-data-and-statistics/cataract-tables

A/Prof Moira McInerney is ONZ’s executive officer. She has extensive experience of executive management within health including roles as CEO, business development and general management. She lectures on the Master of Health Management programme at Monash University.