Patients facing vision loss due to ophthalmology appointment delays

Monday 31 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Mon 31 Aug, 5:37pm

In this story Health New Zealand

Tens of thousands of people are overdue for eye health appointments in the public system. Ophthalmology New Zealand chair Dr Sonya Bennett says high demand from an ageing population is causing delays that have resulted in some patients experiencing irreversible vision loss.

How they headlined it

2:53pm5:37pm

1. Otago Daily TimesMon 31 Aug, 2:53pm

   Patients going blind amid ‘tsunami’ of demand for tests: expert (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldMon 31 Aug, 5:37pm

   Patients going blind: 36,000 ophthalmology patients overdue for tests amid high demand (opens in new tab)