To help more Australians with a vision impairment discover the benefits of sport, Paralympics Australia has provided Bupa Optical practitioners with new skills and tools to encourage people in the early stages of their Para sport journey, supporting their shared quest to identify potential future Paralympians.
Bupa is the Official Healthcare Partner of Paralympics Australia, supporting the health and wellbeing of athletes, their families and their training teams.
Through this partnership with Paralympics Australia, our optometrists have been given the tools to guide and refer clients into Para sport pathways and provide them with knowledge of any specialised clinical products to support them
Approximately 453,000 Australians are blind or have low vision, with this number projected to increase to 564,000 by 2030,1 however many are unaware of the opportunities or optical solutions available to engage in recreational or competitive sport.
Bupa Optical’s Head of Clinical Management, Karen Makin said optometrists have a key role in enabling people to live their lives to the fullest, but specialised training is needed to fill the skills gap.
“Along with boosting opportunities for social connections, the physical and mental health benefits of playing sport are well documented however understanding eligibility criteria for engaging in Para sport is not as well understood in the industry and amongst the general public.
“Through this partnership with Paralympics Australia, our optometrists have been given the tools to guide and refer clients into Para sport pathways and provide them with knowledge of any specialised clinical products to support them on their journey,” said Ms Makin.
Setting Targets, Breaking Down Barriers
Paralympics Australia has publicly stated its goal for the Australian Paralympic Team to finish on top of Brisbane 2032 medal tally, emulating the feat achieved just once before, at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.
Paralympics Australia’s General Manager, Classification and Pathways, Melissa Wilson, said this important work with Bupa demonstrates the power of collaboration in breaking down barriers to participation in Para-sport.
“Building on the achievements and performances of our athletes at Milano Cortina 2026, this innovative activation with Bupa Optical ensures we continue to expand pathways in Para sport and strengthen Australia’s talent pipeline for Brisbane 2032 and beyond,” said Ms Wilson.
“Allied health professionals, such as optometrists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, are often the first point of contact for people who could thrive in Para sport. By equipping them with knowledge and referral tools, we’re expanding the entrance to the Paralympic pathway and developing a stronger, deeper talent pipeline.
“By helping more people with vision impairment understand the possibilities available to them and providing ways to take those first steps into sport, we may not only uncover potential future Paralympians, but open doors for more inclusive and active communities across Australia.”
Opening Up Opportunities Beyond Para
Vision impaired Winter Paralympian Georgia Gunew, who made her Paralympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, finishing 10th in the Women’s Giant Slalom and 11th in the Women’s Slalom with guide Ethan Jackson, said the connection between health professionals and sport can be life changing.
“Sport has completely changed my life. It’s given me a greater sense of confidence and community and opened doors that I didn’t know existed. When I was first introduced to Para sport, it introduced so many new opportunities and people who understood my journey.”
“Health professionals, like optometrists, can play such an important role in helping others take that first step. A simple conversation or referral can be the spark that inspires someone with a vision impairment to discover what they’re capable of.”
Through this initiative, Bupa Optical and Paralympics Australia can also guide individuals who are not eligible for Para sport classification toward alternative sporting and community-based opportunities, ensuring everyone with a visual impairment can find a way to engage in sport.
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For more information about Paralympics Australia’s partnership with Bupa visit here
Reference
- How do you know if you have low vision? Vision Australia. Blindness and low vision services. Available at: visionaustralia.org/services/eye-conditions/low-vision [accessed April 2026].
