Over 200 people in Tonga received essential eye care services from a team  professional volunteers from New Zealand who worked in Nuku'alofa from 30 September to 4 October.

The 'EyesForGood' team was made up of optometry and vision science teaching fellows, Germaine Joblin and Sachi Rathod, with research coordinator Telusila Vea, who are all colleagues from the University of Auckland. They were joined by Janice Yeoman, an ophthalmology doctoral candidate, and clinician at the New Zealand Prosthetic Eye Service.

In four and a half days, they conducted 210 eye examinations, provided 172 pairs of prescription glasses, and fitted nine people with custom ocular prostheses.

Janice, the team’s prosthetist, addressed a critical need in Tonga, where no ocular prosthetic services exist. "The negative psychosocial and quality of life impacts of eye loss are profound, and this service brought new hope and confidence to eye loss patients, their families and their communities," the team stated.

The team encountered numerous cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, keratoconus, glaucoma, and pterygia were also common.

They also visited the Tonga Red Cross to check the eyes of children with disabilities.

Meanwhile, they delivered practical training to local eye nurses, enhancing their clinical skills, with the aim to empower local healthcare providers and ensure ongoing community benefits.

During their services, they got the chance to meet with the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, as well as the Health Minister and CEO, discussing eye care in Tonga and to build relationships for future visits.

Research coordinator Telusila Vea told Matangi Tonga today, they are working on a follow-up visit in the near future.