A team of Waikato eyecare professionals is running pop-up vision screening clinics at local Covid-vaccination centres, screening patients while they wait for their jab.
Funded by a Ministry of Health grant and created with support from the Waikato District Health Board’s Dr Nina Scott, director of Māori equity strategy and research, the scheme has already proved hugely popular. “The pop-up screenings have been extremely well-received by patients, who formed long queues to get their eyes checked while waiting for their Covid vaccination,” said Dr James McKelvie, who initiated the scheme. “The screening test is only 20 mins long – perfect for patients waiting on site.”
Clinical lead and inaugural cataract fellow at University of Auckland’s Waikato Clinical Campus, Dr Ruhella Hossain said the vaccine centres present a unique opportunity to provide visual screening and understand community health needs. “After our first clinic, we were invited to attend other kaumatua Covid vaccine days. These days were great opportunities to engage with the community and promote eye health.”
The screenings include a visual acuity test and autorefraction, said Dr Hossain. “Using the best corrected visual acuity, we recommend individuals follow-up with their optometrist or, for those with severe visual impairment, we offer a secondary assessment at the hospital in one of my clinics.”
