Childhood blindness prevention in Aotearoa New Zealand

AIM: While less common than adult blindness, childhood blindness has a significant burden in terms of the total number of "blind years". We aim to determine if there is scope for improved strategies in the prevention of childhood blindness in Aotearoa New Zealand. METHOD: We conducted a review of New Zealand childhood blindness data. RESULTS: In New Zealand, there is a paucity of data on childhood blindness. However, significant scope remains for prevention through optimising maternal health, neonatal care, increasing uptake of immunisations and attendance at vision screening programmes, as well as the earliest possible detection of myopia and keratoconus. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmologists and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists must continue to actively collaborate with obstetricians, paediatricians, general practitioners, optometrists, national screening units, vaccination programmes, epidemiologists and Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora to promote primary prevention strategies and improve visual outcomes for our tamariki.