Specsavers and Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ) are collaborating to improve support for New Zealanders with low vision. Initiated earlier this year, a new programme has been designed to improve access to comprehensive services for those with low vision and ensure a seamless referral process to boost referrals, they said.

The pilot programme involves seven Specsavers stores across the North and South Islands. It includes training for Specsavers optometrists on BLVNZ’s support services and working closely together to test and refine the referral process. As data from the pilot accumulate, the programme is expected to expand, incorporating more practices to reach a broader segment of the population, said Dr Ben Ashby, Specsavers clinical services director ANZ. “It is unfair that relevant patients may miss out on the extension of care that Blind Low Vision NZ offers simply by being unaware it exists, or because of barriers in the clinical referral process. We’re doing all we can to make it easier for optometrists to refer their appropriate patients to support groups like BLVNZ when the timing is right.”

Unfortunately, many patients with sight-impairing conditions don't find out about low vision services until their medical options have been exhausted, said Marika Faliraki's, BLVNZ’s head of referrals and registrations. “With Specsavers’ help, we have the opportunity to reach even more of the estimated 30,000 people with severe vision loss who could benefit from our services and provide them with life-changing support.”

For more on how to refer to BLVNZ, click here.