Does a free optometry service address barriers to eye care? An analysis of routinely collected data

INTRODUCTION: The lack of public funding for optometry services has resulted in a high unmet need for vision aids for many of Aotearoa New Zealand's population, particularly those living in areas of socio-economic deprivation, older persons, and Māori and Pacific people. AIM: This paper assesses whether a free optometry service provided by Tūranga Health (an iwi-based healthcare provider in Gisborne), OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, and a Gisborne-based private optometry service (OPSM) effectively addresses barriers to optometry care for people facing disadvantage. METHODS: We used data routinely collected by Tūranga Health, including short interviews with a small number of patients and staff, to describe the service and explore whether and how it addressed unmet need. RESULTS: The high use of the service (698 eye tests performed over five days) and the very high proportion of interventions delivered (621 pairs of prescription glasses provided, 56 referrals for further optometry services, and 12 referrals for cataracts) suggest high unmet need. Patients and staff reported cost and physical access/transport barriers as the most common reason for lack of previous engagement with optometry services. DISCUSSION: This study highlights the importance of accessible ocular health care and suggests the Tūranga Health model addresses access barriers.