Ahead of the proposed changes to the DHB structures, The New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) has surveyed its members to explore opportunities for optometrists to provide primary healthcare.
The survey asked about the eye health initiatives optometrists felt were working well in their communities, especially in improving access to eyecare and greater ocular disease prevention. “The collective thinking of our members is a way of positively contributing to the future of primary healthcare, lifting our optometrists’ profile and promoting our relevance within the forthcoming changes of healthcare delivery in Aotearoa,” said NZAO executive officer Peter Anderson.
Following the survey’s closure on 27 August 2021, NZAO is now analysing the results to determine next steps, including recommendations to the Ministry of Health, said Anderson.
