In-community vision testing device development using a kaupapa Māori framework

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

We report on a 2019 project in which we ran in-community testing of a device for visual acuity. This was a collaboration with a community partner school, Kia Aroha college (KAC) which is a dual Māori/Pacific medium school in Ōtara, South Auckland, New Zealand. Our approach was informed by Kaupapa Māori principles: an approach that centered the school in the research process, and emphasized benefits for the community and participants. The research objective (device data-collection) was embedded in a built-for-purpose Hauora/health day. The Hauora day incorporated wellness checks comprising physical and psycho- social assessments, vision screening/exams. Benefits for the community included direct on-site access to eye health care and on site follow-up, as well as increased interactions with health personnel and researchers. Benefits for the research team included establishing a valuable adjunct to more typical laboratory based measurements, establishment of a community partner relationship, a more diverse range of clinical exposures for Optometry students, and opportunities for cultural competence improvement. Central to this approach is the importance of trusted relationships and mutual benefit. This model requires the continuation of staffing resources and mechanisms to ensure that the relationship will be maintained and strengthened through time.