Erna Takazawa

Erna Takazawa (born 1988) is the first fully qualified optometrist of Samoa. In 2014, she was awarded as one of the inaugural recipients the Queen's Young Leader Award.

Erna Fumi Rebecca Fotuofaamanuiaga Takazawa
Born21 December 1988
Japan
Occupationoptometrist
Years active2012–present
Known forSamoa's first qualified optometrist

Biography

Erna Fumi Rebecca Fotuofaamanuiaga Takazawa[1] was born 21 December 1988 in Japan but raised in Samoa.[2] She graduated with First Class Honors[2] with degree in optometry from the University of Auckland in 2011 and was licensed in 2012.[1] She is the first fully qualified optometrist on the island and began working immediately at the newly established Samoa Vision Centre.[2]

Takazawa also works in conjunction with the National Health Service[3] and SENESE, a support program for special needs children.[4] Her work has led to free eye care services for children and the elderly and a reduction in cost of eyewear for adults. In 2013, she screened over 200 athletes with the Special Olympics.[5]

In 2014, Takazawa's work was recognized when she was awarded the Queen's Young Leader Award. The annual award is given to selected citizens throughout the Commonwealth who work to better lives in their communities.[6]

References
  1. "Practitioners Name: Takazawa, Miss Erna Fumi Rebecca Fotuofaamanuiaga". Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board. Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  2. "Graduate becomes Samoa's first practicing optometrist" (Issue 245). University of Aukland, New Zealand: Dean's Diary. 11 May 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  3. "Westpac prioritises staff wellbeing". Samoa Observer. 29 July 2013. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  4. "The history of SENESE". Senese Organization. Senese Organization. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  5. Tauafiafi, Lealaiauloto Aigaletaulealea (13 January 2015). "GLOBAL ACHIEVERS: Six Pacific youth, winners of Queen Elizabeth's inaugural global award". Pacific Guardians. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  6. Radio New Zealand (January 12, 2015). "Young Samoan wins global award". Samoa News. Archived from the original on 8 April 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
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