Cataracts? Here is the process for a referral in the public health system.

Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the most common reasons we refer people to the Eye Clinic. A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye, which causes vision to become blurry or hazy.

The treatment is a surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic. During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens implant. Cataract surgery is usually a highly effective procedure that can fully restore clear vision.

As with any surgery, there are risks involved, so it’s important to consider carefully when treatment should be undertaken.

Clinical Prioritisation Scores

To determine who receives cataract surgery each year, optometrists and ophthalmologists use a clinical scoring tool.

We record your vision (the smallest letters you can read on the chart with your best prescription lenses) along with the details of your eye examination and cataract findings.

The final part of the score comes from your “Patient Impact on Life Questionnaire.” This short survey helps to measure how much your blurred vision is affecting your day-to-day life — in other words, how much it limits your ability to do the things you enjoy or need to do.

Once all these details are entered, the tool calculates a total score.

• For Auckland DHB, a score of 48 or higher means the referral will be accepted, and you can usually expect an appointment within 16 weeks.

• For Northland DHB, the threshold is 54.

In our experience, this system works well. People who are genuinely struggling with their vision due to cataracts are typically seen at the Eye Clinic and go on to have successful cataract surgery.

Cataracts in Both Eyes — Will Both Be Treated?

Cataracts often affect both eyes, although one eye is usually worse. The usual approach is to treat the eye with poorer vision first, then review the results.

For many people, the improvement from the first surgery is so significant that a second operation isn’t necessary — if your vision feels good, there’s often little benefit in operating on the second eye. Each case is assessed individually to ensure the best outcome for you.

If you have any concerns about cataracts or your vision, book an appointment with us. We’ll assess your eyes and discuss the best options for your care.

McDonald Adams Science Scholarships 2025

It is so lovely to experience prizegiving nights at Mahurangi College and Rodney College. These two winners join a long line of local students stretching back to our first scholarships in 2009. These events have a sense of occasion and celebration.

Lucy Ingham with Sally Adams, Mahurangi College

Mahurangi College student Lucy Ingham is heading to study for a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and biology, hoping to work in marine science. At Rodney College our award went to Angel Dai, who is heading to study Pharmacy. Remarkably she has studied chemistry online this year, quite an achievement!

Angel Dai with Claire McDonald, Rodney College

We wish Lucy and Angel all the best for their studies next year.

Fitovers - handy & convenient

Why We Recommend Fitover Sunglasses

Fitover sunglasses are a simple and practical way to add sun protection over your regular glasses. Gone are the days of the bulky, boxy black designs — today’s styles are sleeker, available in a range of colours, and come in smaller fittings for a more comfortable look and feel.

There are three lens options to choose from: Grey, Amber, and Yellow.

• Amber lenses are popular for enhancing colour contrast.

• Yellow lenses are often preferred by people with early cataracts, as they can help improve clarity of vision.

• Grey lenses offer classic, all-round sun protection.

Fitovers are especially handy if you wear photochromic lenses (the type that darken in sunlight). Because these don’t fully activate behind a car windscreen, adding a pair of polarised Fitovers can make a big difference by cutting glare and keeping your eyes more comfortable while driving.

Come in and try on our range of Fitovers — find the style and lens tint that suits you best.

Subsidy for Children’s Glasses

Glasses Subsidy for Children 15 Years & Under

Did you know there is government funding available for children’s eye care? Through Enable NZ, families can access a subsidy that covers the full cost of an eye examination for children aged 15 years and under.

To qualify, families need to have a current Community Services Card or a High Health User Card.

The subsidy can also go toward the cost of prescription glasses, if they’re needed.

Most Kiwi children have their vision screened for lazy eyes around age 4 as part of the B4 School Check. While this is helpful, it isn’t as detailed as a full eye exam, but it can pick up some vision issues. The next routine screening happens in Year 7 (around age 11).

If you have any concerns about your child’s eyes or vision, we’re here to help. You can book online with Emily, Claire, or Sally, or give us a call on 09 425 9646.

Don’t wait until the next school vision check — book an eye exam today and give your child the best chance to see clearly and thrive.

Watery eyes?

Why Are My Eyes Watering All the Time?

If you've been using lubricating drops and warm compresses but your eyes are still watering, you may be dealing with a tear drainage issue—not dry eyes.

Normally, tears drain through small openings in the inner corners of your eyelids, flowing into a tiny channel that leads to your nose. This process happens with each blink. However, if any part of this drainage system becomes narrowed or blocked, tears can overflow, making it feel like your eyes are constantly watering.

Introducing Lacrimal Lavage

We’re now offering lacrimal lavage—a quick, in-office procedure that can help assess, and in some cases clear, partial blockages in the tear drainage system. It’s ideal for patients experiencing excessive tearing (also known as epiphora) due to obstructed tear ducts.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Lacrimal lavage is usually quick and well tolerated. After numbing the area with anaesthetic drops, your optometrist will gently insert a thin, blunt probe into the tear duct opening. A sterile saline solution is then flushed through the drainage pathway.

• If the system is clear, the fluid will pass through to your nose and throat—you may even taste the salty solution.

• If there’s a blockage, the fluid may resist flowing or may backflow from the eye, helping us pinpoint the issue.

In some cases, the flushing action itself may relieve the obstruction and restore normal tear drainage. Many patients notice an improvement shortly after the procedure.

Contact us to learn more or book an assessment today. We’re here to help you find relief.

Driving Licence Vision Testing

Is Your Vision Road-Ready?

Good vision is essential for safe driving. If you can’t see clearly, you can’t react quickly—and that puts everyone at risk. Studies show that 1 in 14 drivers has a vision problem that could affect their driving ability.

When it’s time to renew your driver’s licence, you’ll need to prove that your eyesight meets the legal standard for safe driving. But don’t wait until renewal time—if you’re noticing changes in your vision, get your eyes checked now.

How to Prove Your Vision Meets the Standard

You have three options to confirm your eyesight meets the required standard:

• ✅ Pass a vision screening at the AA

• ✅ Have an eye test with an optometrist

• ✅ Have a vision test with your GP

The AA test is convenient, the equipment used does not suit everyone. If one eye is weaker than the other, your stronger eye might compensate during the test, leading to inconsistent results. It’s not uncommon to fail the AA test but pass at the optometrist.

If you’re unsure, see your optometrist first—especially if you suspect a vision issue.

Special Cases

• Monocular Vision (vision in one eye only): You must be tested by an optometrist, GP, or ophthalmologist.

• Night Vision Issues or Cataracts: Your licence may come with restrictions, such as “no night driving,” depending on your condition.

Planning Ahead

If your licence renewal is coming up, we recommend scheduling your routine eye exam at least a couple of months in advance. We’ll check your vision and if everything meets the standard, provide the official certificate you need. Certificates are valid for 60 days.

Need an eye test for your licence—or just want to make sure your vision is safe for driving?
Book an appointment today and enjoy peace of mind. If you think your eyesight may not be good, or you are not able to see clearly while you are driving, get it checked now.