Helen Haslett, Specsavers Masterton Optometrist Partner
A collaborative 18-month pilot between six Specsavers stores and Blind Low Vision NZ has demonstrated the positive impact that confident, well-informed optometrists can have on patient outcomes. The initiative focussed on strengthening referral pathways for people living with low vision or blindness, resulting in a significant increase in successful patient connections to vital support services.
During the 12-month referral phase, the six engaged stores referred 109 patients to Blind Low Vision NZ – a substantial increase compared to the same stores in the previous year and significantly higher than non-participating stores. All referred patients were successfully registered and received tailored support based on their individual needs and goals.
Those with long-term or severe vision loss may not realise what support is available, or that new options exist
The pilot’s success hinged on improving optometrists’ awareness of services beyond clinical care through comprehensive education. This included webinars, monthly newsletters, and in-store presentations delivered by local Blind Low Vision NZ teams, ensuring practitioners understood exactly what support was available and how to access it.
Addressing Long-Standing Gaps in Care
Many of the patients referred into the pilot had long-standing vision loss, with diagnoses including albinism, retinitis pigmentosa, or chronic diabetic retinopathy. In numerous cases, these individuals had been under ophthalmological or optometric care for years without previously connecting to Blind Low Vision NZ.
The pilot’s success in reaching these patients suggests that patient needs evolve over time, with individuals becoming more receptive to support at different points in their vision loss journey. And Specsavers said this highlights the importance of ongoing referral opportunities rather than one-off assessments.
Dr Ben Ashby, Specsavers ANZ’s Clinical Services Director, said optometrists play a critical role in improving patient health outcomes. “When optometrists are equipped with the right knowledge about patient support bodies such as Blind Low Vision NZ, they can make a profound difference in their patients’ lives. The pilot was all about recognising that our role doesn’t end after the patient leaves the testing room – we can be the bridge to life-changing support.”
Technology Takes Centre Stage
The pilot revealed significant demand for accessible technology support, with 47% of referred patients accessing services relating to devices, voice assistants, or digital information access. Magnification and reading support were also common goals, alongside indoor and outdoor glare management, daily living skills, mobility training, funding assistance, peer support, and employment guidance.
Most referrals were submitted using Blind Low Vision NZ’s online form at blindlowvision.org.nz/referral, which ensured complete patient information and enabled timely follow-up. Feedback collected during the pilot will inform future improvements to enhance the form’s usability in busy clinical settings.
Value in Re-referral
An important finding was that around 10% of referrals were for people who had previously engaged with Blind Low Vision NZ. This highlighted the value of re-referral when vision or circumstances change, as many patients don’t reach out independently. In response, Blind Low Vision NZ has introduced a client reconnection preference, allowing clients to choose proactive follow-up at three, six or 12-month intervals, or to reconnect when ready.
Marika Fiolitakis, Head of Referrals and Registrations at Blind Low Vision NZ, noted: “It’s easy to focus on the clinical side of an eye exam – updating glasses, managing treatment plans, or deciding on referral to ophthalmology – but we also need to understand how vision loss is affecting someone’s everyday life. Those with long-term or severe vision loss may not realise what support is available, or that new options exist.”
Real-World Impact
Reflecting on her experience with the pilot programme, Helen Haslett, Specsavers Masterton Optometrist Partner, spoke about one memorable case involving a 92-year-old woman who had declined registration for three years. After gaining deeper understanding through the pilot’s education programme, Ms Haslett was able to ask the right questions to uncover the patient’s needs. The woman agreed to register, and at her six-month review reported that her Alexa device now helps manage daily tasks while a magnifier enables her to continue reading her beloved Listener magazine.
Another patient facing job loss due to vision concerns was registered within 24 hours of referral, with rapid support enabling her to continue in her preferred role.
“I wish all optometrists knew how simple and impactful it is to refer to Blind Low Vision NZ,” Ms Haslett said. “It’s just an online form, and it opens the door to incredible resources. Blind Low Vision NZ is always willing to share knowledge, and I often call them directly to discuss my patient needs. Some patients don’t realise what support is available or how much of a difference it can make. Referring at the right time can help them stay independent, confident, and better equipped to manage everyday life.”
Future Development
The pilot has generated valuable insights for ongoing service development. Some optometrists expressed interest in receiving more information about the services their patients accessed and clearer indicators for when to refer those who may not yet meet standard criteria.
