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A quiet but remarkable change is taking place across the Pacific, bringing hope to thousands of people at risk of losing their sight.
Among those leading this work is Dr Andrew Riley of Eye Doctors, who serves as a director of VOSO and has been instrumental in identifying unmet eye-care needs throughout the Pacific.
Volunteer Ophthalmic Services Overseas (VOSO), a New Zealand-based charitable organisation, has helped deliver advanced eye-care equipment and training to the Pacific Islands, giving local health professionals access to technology that has never before been available in the country.
Thanks to the generosity of Zeiss New Zealand, specialised equipment used to diagnose serious eye conditions has now arrived in Tonga. For the first time, patients can access visual field testing and corneal mapping services without needing to travel overseas.
For many Pacific families, specialist eye care is difficult to access. Early diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between maintaining independence and facing avoidable vision loss.
Over the past decade, Dr Riley has worked alongside local clinicians in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, supporting more than 5,400 cataract surgeries and providing essential equipment, medical supplies and volunteer expertise.
The latest initiative focuses on keratoconus, a progressive eye condition that often affects young adults. By introducing new diagnostic technology and training local teams in sight-preserving treatments, helping create a future where Pacific communities can access world-class eye care closer to home.
Eye Doctors specialist Dr Penny McAllum also contributes regularly as a volunteer with a team in Niue working in conjunction with the Niuean Government, providing much-needed ophthalmology services and helping strengthen local eye-care capability.
It is a powerful example of how generosity, expertise and collaboration can change lives – one person, one family and one community at a time.
Closer to home, the team at Eye Doctors is committed to helping local people protect and preserve their vision. If you are experiencing changes in your eyesight, have concerns about cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration or any other eye condition, don’t delay seeking advice. Our experienced specialists provide comprehensive assessments, treatment and surgery using local hospitals and facilities. We are proud to be local specialists, caring for local patients and supporting our local community.
If you have concerns about your vision, contact Eye Doctors today on 09 277 6787 to arrange an assessment and take the first step towards protecting your sight.
