Optometry Australia (OA) has joined forces with Alcon to establish the Optometry Australia Scholarship Fund for First Nations Optometrists and Students.
The initiative will provide financial support for two to three Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander optometrists or optometry students to attend leading national conferences during 2025–2026, fostering professional development, culturally safe networking, and leadership pathways.
The supported events include:
- The 2025 Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference, 24–26 November 2025, Kabi Kabi Country (Sunshine Coast),
- 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), 9-10 August 2026, Meanjin (Brisbane), QLD.
Through these events, recipients will engage with national discourse, expand their professional networks, build culturally responsive alliances, and contribute to systemic change in eye health for First Nations communities.
Sarah Davies, Director of Advocacy at Optometry Australia, said attending the conferences would support the recipients’ ongoing professional development and create networking opportunities in a culturally appropriate space.
“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,” she said.
we aim to support emerging leaders, foster culturally safe professional spaces, and advance equitable eye care across Australia
Reinforcing Sustainable, Local Capacities
The partnership also underscores Alcon’s strategic commitment to nurturing eye health talent and reinforcing sustainable, local capacities in underserved populations.
As part of its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Alcon has pledged to improve the quality of life of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through investment in eye health equity, education, and leadership opportunities.
“At Alcon, we believe that sustainable progress in eye health relies on investing in people and communities,” said Ronak Patel, Country Franchise Head, Vision Care at Alcon. “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.”
In the past, Optometry Australia has offered similar bursaries, and participation in these conferences has enabled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander optometrists and students to build lasting relationships with peers, mentors, and non-Indigenous allies committed to equity in eye health.
“Strengthening these networks creates personal and professional support systems, helps mitigate professional isolation, and creates a sense of belonging, which is essential for career success and sustainability,” said Ms Davies.
