Our Impact
Finding the problem is only the beginning.
Our impact is measured not simply by how many tamariki we screen, but by what happens next. Whether that means glasses, diagnostic audiology, treatment or specialist support, we work to ensure an identified need leads to care.By bringing services directly into schools and communities, we remove many of the barriers that can stand between people and the support they need.
Vision
Our vision system was created to remove one simple but significant barrier to learning: not being able to see clearly.
In Auckland, one full-time Painga vision screener can screen more than 9,000 students each year across over 55 high Equity Index primary and intermediate schools.
Around 20–30% of tamariki screened require a comprehensive eye examination onboard Celia, our mobile optometry clinic. Of those who come onboard, around 80% receive fully funded prescription glasses.
Celia has been purpose-built to scale that impact. When fully staffed with two optometrists, she has the capacity to provide more than 7,000 comprehensive eye examinations each school year.
Our Auckland schools are screened in full when they join the programme, followed by ongoing screening of new entrants, helping ensure every child has the opportunity to be seen.
Our preschool pilot in the Wellington region with Whānau Manaaki took vision screening into 16 kindergartens across Porirua and Levin, with 17% of tamariki screened referred to Celia for comprehensive eye examinations.
This Wellington work has also demonstrated a significant need among adults. Across community clinics with WELLfed and Wellington City Mission, we provided more than 100 pairs of ready readers and over 40 comprehensive eye examinations.
The need is clear. Our next challenge is reaching more people.
9,000 tamariki vision screened
Annually, with one screener
20-30% need full optometry exam
Potential vision problems found that otherwise woudn't have been
80% of those seen on Celia need glasses
Clear sight and the ability to make the most out of their education
Hearing
Our hearing system was created to remove a significant barrier to learning: hearing and ear-health problems that can make it harder for tamariki to hear, focus, communicate, participate and learn.
Undetected hearing loss and ear-health issues can become invisible barriers to learning, language, communication and participation.
Our hearing programme is designed to find those issues, and make sure tamariki get the care they need.
We screen tamariki as they enter primary school, with re-screening and further diagnostic testing where needed. Around 3% of those screened are referred for diagnostic audiology, providing a pathway to understand what is happening and what needs to happen next.
Through Whina, our mobile hearing clinic, and the support of our audiologists, ear nurses and GP, we can respond to more than hearing loss alone, identifying and treating ear-health issues and connecting tamariki with the diagnostic, medical and specialist care they need.
We stay with them through that pathway, following up referrals, working with whānau and health providers, and finding alternative pathways when existing systems can't provide timely care.
Because a referral isn't an outcome. A child receiving the care they need is.
The Painga Project’s generosity goes far beyond just frames and lenses; they are actively investing in the future of our kids. By removing the financial stress of eye care for our whānau, they are ensuring that every single child has an equal opportunity to thrive, succeed, and reach their absolute highest potential. We cannot overstate the positive ripple effect this has on a child's self-esteem and everyday happiness.
Flat Bush School
The world is in surround sound now! It's so loud and clear!
12 year old Waimahia Intermediate student when cotton bud tips and wax buildup were removed from his ears
Painga are reaching where others are unable to reach. For our highest-needs kids, it can be anywhere from three to four terms to two years of trying to get that support. So having an organisation like Painga as a partner - they ultimately help remove those barriers, and their involvement creates a sense of urgency around what our kids need.
Amber King • Principal • Papakura Intermediate
I should’ve done it years and years ago. My permanent headache that I had is now gone, I feel like I’m on top of the world, especially when I’m driving, everything is so much clearer. Yay!
Maggie • WELLfed
Everything is so bright! Look at the trees and leaves!
6 year old Kelvin Road School student when putting on her glasses for the first time
We're seeing better achievement levels, happier children, happier and better engaged children. It's been transformation really, a significant transformation in the way they are.
Kataraina Nock • Principal • Edmund Hillary School