Efforts to improve eye care services in Tonga have been renewed with the signing of a new agreement between the Tonga Ministry of Health and The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ.
The new five-year partnership agreement builds on more than 20 years of working together to strengthen services, support the eye care workforce and reduce avoidable blindness across Tonga.
The agreement was signed on Monday 20 April 2026 at The Foundation’s office in Auckland during an official visit by Tonga’s Minister for Health, Hon. Siaosi ‘Ofa ki Vahafolau Sovaleni, and Tonga’s sole ophthalmologist, Dr. Duke Mataka. The Foundation was represented by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Audrey Aumua.
Together, the two organisations have made significant progress in strengthening Tonga’s eye health system and expanding access to quality eye care for thousands of people.
This work has included 38 outreach visits across Tonga, more than 16,000 patient consultations, 844 sight-restoring surgeries, 271 diabetic retinopathy treatments and the dispensing of more than 3,300 pairs of spectacles. The partnership has also helped train 15 eye nurses and clinicians and three eye doctors, strengthening local skills and services for the people of Tonga.
Hon. Siaosi ‘Ofa ki Vahafolau Sovaleni said that the new agreement reflects a strong relationship built on shared purpose and practical results.
“Today’s signing reaffirms a partnership that has already made a real difference for the people of Tonga. For more than 20 years, The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ has worked alongside our Ministry of Health to improve eye care services, train our workforce and help bring sight-saving care closer to our communities.”
“This agreement is about the future. It supports our commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable eye health system, so that more people can access quality care, wherever they live.”
The renewed partnership comes at an important time for eye health in Tonga. With people living across many islands, access to specialist care can be difficult, especially for those residing outside Tongatapu. The Ministry’s eye care team provides services through Vaiola Hospital as well as clinics in Vava’u, Haʻapai and ‘Eua, with trained eye care nurses based in those communities.
Dr Duke Mataka said the partnership remains vital to maintaining and improving services across the country.
“Tonga’s geography means access is one of our biggest challenges. Having trained eye care workers in the outer islands, backed by a strong national service, is essential to reaching people earlier and reducing avoidable vision loss.”
“We are seeing growing need, especially because of diabetes. Our recent eye health survey has helped show us where we need to focus next, including diabetic eye disease, service quality and the systems we need to meet future demand.”
The new agreement sets out shared priorities for the next five years. These include ongoing training for eye care professionals, outreach services, better eye health information and ongoing research, and support for eye care that is easier for people to access.
Future work will also include finalising a new National Eye Care Plan, strengthening standards for treatment and care, exploring further specialist training, and improving infrastructure and equipment – including plans for a dedicated eye operating theatre.
Dr. Audrey Aumua said the agreement reflects Tonga’s leadership in building a stronger and more resilient eye health system.
“This agreement recognises the progress Tonga has already made and our shared commitment to the work still ahead. We are proud to continue standing with the Tonga Ministry of Health as it leads the development of a strong, locally led eye health system.”
“Lasting change comes from investing in people, services and systems together. That means supporting eye doctors, nurses and health workers, improving access for people in outer islands, and making sure quality eye care is part of a stronger national health system.”
