Research programme aims to improve Pacific eye health

The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ is working to strengthen eye healthcare in the Pacific by supporting locally driven research.

Eye health needs in the Pacific are rising due to growing and ageing populations, increasing non-communicable diseases, growing socio-economic inequality, and climate-related challenges. Many Pacific countries currently lack sufficient data to effectively address these issues.

The State of Eye Health in the Pacific Research Programme, led by The Foundation, aims to address this data gap through a five-year collaboration between Pacific Island governments, the New Zealand Government, the University of Auckland, and Ian Anderson Economics.

Phase One of the programme is focused on gathering data about the Pacific region’s current state of eye health. Rapid Assessments of Avoidable Blindness (RAABs) have been carried out in Samoa and Vanuatu, with Tonga soon to follow. RAAB surveys measure the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment, quality of eye care, barriers to accessing eye care, and cataract surgical coverage.

Because RAAB surveys aren’t suitable for smaller populations, a new methodology – the Small Island State Survey – is also being developed for populations of less than 100,000 people. This pilot survey, created in collaboration with the University of Auckland, will help smaller countries such as Tuvalu, Nauru, and Marshall Islands collect crucial eye health data.

The research programme also includes Eye Care Situational Analysis Tool (ECSAT) assessments, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). These assessments evaluate a country’s eye health system based on leadership, service access and quality, workforce, infrastructure, financing, and information management. ECSAT assessments have already been completed or initiated in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, with Tonga and Samoa to follow.

Alongside these studies, a research report is being prepared by economist Ian Anderson, which aims to evaluate the economic impact of vision impairment and the benefits of investing in eye care.

The research will culminate in comprehensive regional reports and concise, targeted reports for each participating country. Subsequent phases will support governments to set local priorities and develop actionable plans for strengthening eye healthcare systems.

By providing critical data, the programme helps Pacific governments build sustainable, equitable, and high-quality eye healthcare systems, ensuring better vision care now and into the future.