This project will support a national study being run by New Zealand Ophthalmologists and orthoptists within public hospitals investigating the economic burden on families when a child is prescribed glasses.

Currently only those with a community services card receive government funding for glasses for children. This study aims to investigate the financial impact of this policy in the hopes of obtaining sufficient evidence to push for a change by the government. This study comes at a critical time with the opposition health spokesperson having indicated her support for a change to policy provided there is evidence to support this change.

The funding from ANZEF will be used to curate a Te Reo Māori version of the questionnaire given to participants of the study. Having information about the study available in Te Reo Māori will demonstrate cultural appreciation and respect for Māori families. In doing so, it is hoped that Māori families will feel encouraged to participate in the study. This is important given the cost pressures that are felt so acutely by many Māori families.