Eye Health National Clinical Network
The Eye Health National Clinical Network works to improve access to eye health care and standardise health outcomes — to have a future where all our people have exceptional eye health.
About the Eye Health National Clinical Network
The Eye Health National Clinical Network brings together eye care professionals and patient groups to improve access and eye health outcomes. Early detection of eye health concerns and treatment can significantly reduce eye health and vision problems.
The network focuses on 3 main areas.
- Retinopathy of prematurity in pēpi
Premature pēpi with retinal disease that need tratment to stop visual impairement. - Keratoconus disease in rangatahi
A condition causing the cornea to weaken and distort. Eye rubbing and genetics are key factors for keratoconus, which is most common among Māori and Pacific 10 to 20 year olds. Early detection and treatment can stop it from progressing help avoid serious procedures like corneal transplants. - Cataract surgery and diabetic retinopathy screening for adults
Aiming for equitable care and effective disease management across all ages.
The strategic objectives of the network are to:
- build an eye health service grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles to enhance Māori health outcomes
- achieve equity in eye health outcomes
- protect, promote and improve eye health in New Zealand
- deliver safe and sustainable care
- develop a skilled workforce with a positive culture.
Our members
| Name | Role | Organisation |
| Dr Sarah Welch | National Co-Lead Northern Regional Lead Ophthalmologist |
Health NZ Te Toko Tumai Auckland |
| Tofilau Dr Alistair Papali’i-Curtin | National Co-Lead Ophthalmologist |
Health NZ Capital Coast and Hutt Valley |
| Dr Justin Mora | National Co-Lead Ophthalmologist |
Health NZ Te Toko Tumai Auckland |
| Dr Elizabeth Conner | Ophthalmologist | Health NZ Waitaha Canterbury |
| Deborah Chan | Optometrist | Health NZ Te Toko Tumai Auckland |
| Chrissie Cowan | Chief Executive Officer | Kāpō Māori Aotearoa NZ Incorporated |
| Dr Erica Doucet | Te Waipounamu Regional Lead Ophthalmologist |
Health NZ Southern |
| Carly Henley | Allied Health Unit Manager Ophthalmology and Orthoptist |
Health NZ Te Toko Tumai Auckland |
| Dr Sam Kain | Te Manawa Taki Regional Lead Ophthalmologist |
Health NZ Bay of Plenty |
| Kath Millichamp | Nurse Practitioner | Health NZ Te Toko Tumai Auckland |
| Dr Keith Small | Central Regional Lead Ophthalmologist |
Health NZ Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley |
| Hadyn Treanor | President Optometrist |
New Zealand Association and Optometrists |
| Renata Watene | Optometrist and Professional Teaching Fellow at Auckland University | University of Auckland |
Contact us
Email us if you want more information about the Eye Health National Clinical Network.