A mobile optometry clinic is providing free eye examinations and glasses to kindergarten children in Porirua after screening found about one in six needed further testing.
Painga Project’s mobile clinic, Celia, has travelled from Auckland to visit Whānau Manaaki kindergartens in Porirua and Levin as part of the charity’s Wellington pilot programme.
Every child receiving an eye examination has already been screened by Painga Project. Of the children screened, 17 per cent were found to need a full eye examination.
The exams, glasses and follow-up care are provided free, with the clinic visiting children at their kindergarten so whānau do not need to arrange travel or take time away from work.
Celia usually works across 53 high-equity-needs primary and intermediate schools in Auckland.
The clinic has been joined on its regional visit by Whina, Painga Project’s mobile audiology clinic, which is being used as a support vehicle. Children who need glasses can choose their frames inside the clinic.
Painga Project chief executive Sarah Corson said good eyesight could have a major effect on a child’s start at school.
“These children are about to begin their school journey, and good vision changes everything about how that journey goes,” Corson said.
“What we’re seeing at Whānau Manaaki kindergartens tells us the need in this region is real.
“We’d love the Wellington community to get behind a permanently based mobile clinic, so this isn’t a one-off visit.”
Painga Project provides free hearing and vision screening, follow-up testing, glasses and hearing support during school hours.
The charity said bringing services directly to kindergartens and schools helped remove cost, travel and time barriers that could prevent families from accessing eye care.
The pilot will also help the charity better understand preschool vision needs in the region.
Painga Project hopes funding can be secured for a Wellington-based mobile clinic that could provide free vision care throughout the region year-round.
People interested in supporting the project as funders, partners or volunteers can visit paingaproject.co.nz. Donations can also be made through the Painga Project’s Givealittle page; https://givealittle.co.nz/org/the-painga-project
