Eyes on the prize... Kiwi firm wins Health App award

An app designed to help New Zealand GPs and optometrists confidently diagnose eye disorders has won a prestigious health award.

The Auckland Eye Manual app took out the top non-clinical prize at the Leaders in Quality Awards run by the New Zealand Private Surgical Hospitals Association (NZPSHA).

As the first medical manual app in New Zealand, the Auckland Eye Manual is a comprehensive ophthalmic diagnostic resource providing a reference guide across all sub-speciality eye diseases.

Created by 14 of the country’s leading eye surgeons, the manual was initially developed as a print resource in response to a growing number of requests from GPs for information to assist them in clinical practice.

The resulting app is now used by GPs and optometrists throughout the country, and by the University of Auckland as an educational tool for all fifth-year students.

Leaders in Quality Awards guest judge Dr Janice Wilson, CEO of the Health Quality and Safety Commission, says the app is an amazing product.

“The manual is excellent and, backed by the innovative app, it has quickly gone nationwide," Wilson says.

The category judges thought the Auckland Eye Manual app was a very impressive development with applicability right across the health sector."

Auckland Eye accepted their award on 11 September at the Leaders in Quality Awards, which are presented bi-annually by the NZPSHA, and recognise excellence in 24 members spread across 35 surgical facilities throughout New Zealand.

“We are delighted to have the widespread benefits of our manual app acknowledged by this prestigious award,” says Dr Sue Ormonde, Auckland Eye ophthalmologist.

“Our expert team of eye specialists have worked hard to ensure it was a comprehensive reference for GPs and optometrists around the country. We are proud of our innovative approach to creating a user-friendly app that helps the diagnosis of eye disorders all over New Zealand.”

"These awards provide a valuable opportunity for private health members to showcase and learn from the quality initiatives of other members. The NZPSHA should also be acknowledged for supporting improvement and innovation in the New Zealand medical industry", says Dr Ormonde.

The app explains the appropriate methods for taking an ophthalmic history, and along with the use of colour photos, aids in identifying important signs for over 100 common eye conditions.

Immediate and longer-term management and referral guidelines are also included, and its availability on mobile devices gives users immediate access and rapid search functionality to better suit their needs.

The Auckland Eye Manual app is available to iOS and Android users, and is free for all New Zealanders.