Eye care partnership looks to support First Nations optometrists
A new scholarship initiative will support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander optometrists or optometry students to attend leading national conferences during 2025–2026. Intended to foster professional development, culturally safe networking and leadership pathways, the Optometry Australia Scholarship Fund for First Nations Optometrists and Students is the result of a partnership between Alcon and Optometry Australia.
Supported events include: the 2025 Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference, Kabi Kabi Country (Sunshine Coast), 24–26 November 2025; the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC26), Naarm (Melbourne), Wurundjeri Country, 11–13 May 2026; and Optometry Australia’s Optometry Clinical Conference (OCC 2026), Meanjin (Brisbane), 9–10 August 2026.
“We are deeply committed to strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander optometry workforce. Attending these conferences supports ongoing professional development and creates networking opportunities in a culturally appropriate space,” said Sarah Davies, Director of Advocacy at Optometry Australia.
“We are proud to have partnered with Alcon to strengthen delivery of this support, which reflects our shared commitment to growing and empowering the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander optometry workforce in Australia.”
Ronak Patel, Country Franchise Head, Vision Care at Alcon, said: “By enabling First Nations optometrists and students to attend these important conferences, we aim to support emerging leaders, foster culturally safe professional spaces, and advance equitable eye care across Australia.”
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