Lay summary
Our tears contain tiny biological clues that can help detect diseases early. This research will develop a simple, non-invasive test using tears to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease, a devastating brain disorder affecting 12,000 New Zealanders and over 13 million people worldwide. Current diagnosis is often delayed and inaccurate, limiting treatment options. We will collect tear samples from people with and without Parkinson’s, including a group of Pacific patients with a genetic form more common in Samoan and Tongan communities. By analysing these samples, we aim to detect early changes linked to the disease and understand how it develops differently between individuals. The goal is to enable earlier, more accurate diagnosis and more personalised treatment. Because the test is low-cost and easy to use, it could reduce pressure on the health system and improve access to care for underrepresented communities, delivering strong value for money and advancing health equity.