Dr. Carlton Irving (Te Whakatōhea, Te Ūpokorehe) is a Māori health leader, medical doctor, and former intensive care paramedic with more than 20 years of experience across emergency care, health leadership, and workforce development. He currently serves in senior Māori health leadership roles and is recognised nationally for advancing health equity, cultural safety, and Māori workforce development. Carlton has held executive positions within New Zealand’s health system, founded community health initiatives supporting underserved populations, and remains a passionate advocate for improving outcomes for Māori. His work combines frontline clinical experience with strategic leadership to create more equitable and inclusive healthcare systems.
Carlton presents:
Friday 11 September 3:30pm
TE ARA MANAAKI: EQUITY, ACCESS AND EYE HEALTH – 1 CUL
This presentation explores how the principles of Te Ara Manaaki can be applied to optometry and eye health services. Through a hauora Māori and health equity lens, participants will examine barriers that impact access to eye care, consider the role of cultural safety in improving engagement with whānau, and reflect on the contribution optometry can make to reducing inequities. The session challenges practitioners to move beyond awareness to practical action, supporting better eye health outcomes and more equitable care for the communities they serve.
Learning outcomes
1 Greater understanding of health statistics to determine efficacy of interventions in vulnerable members of our society
2 Awareness of system challenges within delivery of care within Māori and other vulnerable communities
3 Looking forward, how can we apply Te Ara Manaaki within in the optometry field to improve outcomes for underserved communities
Senior Māori health leadership