As reported in NZ Optics – Author Drew Jones.
Pharmac is overhauling its patient advisory function to give patients and whānau an earlier and stronger voice in its decision-making, as a recent expansion of access to diabetes medicines demonstrates the potential impact of public feedback.
A new Community and Patient Advisory Committee (CPAC) will replace Pharmac’s Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) and Consumer and Patient Working Group (CAPWG), with stronger links between patient advocates and the Pharmac board. The CAC, established in 2003, was disestablished on 31 July, while the CAPWG ran from July 2025 to June 2026 to provide patient input into Pharmac’s 12-month Reset Programme.
Pharmac chair Paula Bennett said feedback from patients and consumers, including members of the existing groups, had highlighted the need to reconsider the structure and role of its consumer advisory function. Day-to-day engagement will also be led by Pharmac’s new Consumer Relations team, working directly with patient and consumer advocates on specific issues.
Ophthalmology New Zealand (ONZ) told NZ Optics it welcomed the initiative, saying CPAC will provide a channel for lived patient experience and individual patient advocacy. “ONZ will support members utilising this pathway for their patients. Recent examples include our submission for shingles vaccination and our support of Save Sight’s application for faricimab funding for retinal vein occlusions.”
RANZCO NZ also said it welcomed decisions that strengthen consumer and whānau voices in healthcare decision-making, including those concerning funding for medicines and medical devices. “Patients and their families bring lived experience that is essential to good policy and their earlier and more regular involvement in Pharmac’s processes can only benefit people with sight-threatening and vision-impairing conditions,” said Dr Jesse Gale, RANZCO New Zealand branch chair.
“This principle is one RANZCO is actively putting into practice through our current review of Te Kitenga, RANZCO’s strategy for equitable eye health outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand, where we are working closely with consumer and community groups to ensure the strategy reflects the priorities and experiences of the people it is designed to serve,” he said.
The New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) supports Pharmac’s continued engagement with the public as part of its decision-making process, said Michelle Sloan, NZAO communications and marketing manager. “NZAO also has a long list of medications and treatments that we believe would benefit New Zealanders through improved access and funding, including therapies for myopia prevention, dry eye disease, preservative-free glaucoma medications and other therapeutic alternatives,” she said.
“NZAO will continue to advocate for evidence-based funding decisions that improve access to eyecare and support better vision and eye health outcomes for New Zealanders,” said Sloan.