Tonga has been commended for its progress in treating blindness caused by diabetes as part of a program supported by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.

The Chief Executive of the Trust, Dr Astrid Bonfield CBE met with Minister for Health, Hon Saia Piukala this morning, 13 June, at Vaiola Hospital, to thank and applaud Tonga for its efforts in setting up a eye screening and treatment program for people with diabetes. 

“I am very grateful for the Ministry of Health’s engagement in and leadership of the Trust’s program.”

Dr Bonfield said when Commonwealth Heads of Government met in London last year, they agreed that they would “take action towards achieving access to quality eye care for all”.

“By providing quality eye care for all people with diabetes is a fantastic response by Tonga to that commitment, and one in which the Trust is very proud to have played a part. I am encouraged from all I’ve seen here today in Nuku'alofa that the country’s commitment to ensuring people receive quality eye care will continue long into the future.”

“I’m sure the Queen will be absolutely delighted to see the incredible progress that has been made here and I couldn’t be more proud of all of you for your work.”

Diabetes eye disease

Diabetic retinopathy, also referred to as diabetes eye disease, is the fastest growing cause of blindness globally. It occurs when poor control of blood sugar levels, high blood pressure and high lipid levels in the blood damage the blood vessels in the retina. If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible blindness.

Globally, over half of all people with diabetes are unaware they have the condition. By the time their vision deteriorates it is often too late for treatment. Regular screening, early treatment, and careful health management can reduce the risk of vision loss by 95% and is crucial to ensuring people with diabetes do not go blind when their sight could be saved.

Vaiola Hospital Ophthalmologist, Dr Duke Mataka said in Tonga, around 16% of the adult population, aged 25 – 65 are affected by diabetes “and about two thirds of those with diabetes will have retinopathy”.

To help treat the disease in Tonga, the Trust donated over $210,300 pa’anga in diabetic retinopathy equipment, including two retinal cameras and a Lightmed laser. Outreach teams have also visited communities over 70 times since 2016, resulting in over 1,500 people being screened for diabetic eye disease.

In addition, 76 clinicians received training in eye care and diabetic retinopathy, and are now able to refer people with eye problems from all over Tonga for advice and treatment.

Dr Mataka said the treatment is done at Vaiola Hospital only at the moment but there are plans to expand in the future.

“We are looking into slowly expanding as there is only one doctor and one health officer doing this [treatment]. Currently there is one training in Fiji so probably in the next three to four years we will look at going out to Vava’u and Ha’apai permanently. Someone to be there all the time to treat diabetic blindness.”

Screening

To date, 4,133 people with diabetes in Tonga have been screened for diabetic retinopathy and 158 people have received treatment to prevent them from going blind.

Since 2016, The Trust has been working with the Ministry of Health and The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ to secure permanent changes to the health system by integrating screening and quality treatment for diabetic retinopathy into the care provided to people with diabetes.

Dr Bonfield will travel to other Commonwealth countries in the Pacific to see similar programs in place.

The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust was established in 2012 to create a lasting legacy in honour of Her Majesty The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth.

The Trust will close at the end of this year.