Embracing the rainbow led to unexpected returns
Eye Institute’s Jess Ah Kuoi and Dr Nick Mantell celebrating the certification with Jose Taiapa from Rainbow Tick (right)

Embracing the rainbow led to unexpected returns

June 16, 2022 Staff reporters

Eye Institute in Auckland is New Zealand’s first Rainbow Tick-certified eye surgery. Jess Ah Kuoi, Eye Institute’s head of people and culture, shares her insights into how it was achieved and some early, unexpected results.

 

What prompted Eye Institute to become Rainbow Tick certified?

We are committed to being a great employer and building a culture that all employees can be proud of. Our goal is to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all, and we want our team to be empowered and supported in bringing their whole selves to work.

 

What was the process like?

The journey towards accreditation takes approximately one year to achieve. It starts off with a self-assessment covering policies, staff training, staff engagement and support, external engagement and monitoring. Evidence has to be submitted and then the Rainbow Tick team help implement any changes or procedures required to be certified.

 

Were there any difficult fixes needed to meet the criteria?

Staff training was an area of development for us. The Rainbow Tick team was incredibly helpful and can provide training to meet this requirement. They have also recently created online learning modules, which we hope to implement as a requirement for all new starters during their induction.

 

Was the decision to seek certification well received internally?

Our employees all support and encourage this initiative. They have enjoyed the training and the various events we’ve had. Being a finalist at the Rainbow Excellence awards was a huge highlight and something we are all very proud of.

 

Have you had any feedback from the LGBTTQIA+ community?

We have received positive feedback and words of encouragement from patients and referrers, in person and via our social media platforms. Patients coming through the clinic say they enjoy seeing our signs proudly displayed stating that we are the first ophthalmology practice in New Zealand to have the Rainbow Tick. It is a journey, and we are continuously looking into ways we can do better and be better.

   

What would you say to practices considering following suit?

It is an enlightening and exciting process to go through. The Rainbow Tick team is supportive, engaging and incredibly knowledgeable, so the process is enjoyable and seamless. I would highly recommend other practices contact the Rainbow Tick team and begin the journey to becoming accredited! We learned so much about our people along the way, making the return on investment greater than expected.

 

For more, see www.rainbowtick.nz