First published on New Zealand Optics July 6th 2025

A research project originally co-funded by Cure Kids has reached an exciting new milestone, with global implications for children’s eye health.

Led by Professor Steven Dakin and the team at the University of Auckland, the project focused on creating a new set of child-friendly symbols — known as the Auckland Optotypes — to improve the accuracy of vision testing in young children.

These symbols have now been licensed by global vision care company Essilor. This partnership is expected to support wider international adoption of the optotypes and move them closer to becoming a standard tool in paediatric vision screening.

This development is a powerful example of how early investment in quality research can lead to meaningful, long-term impact for tamariki in Aotearoa and beyond.

Read more in the NZ Optics article.