Specsavers has confirmed the judging panel for the 2026 Dame Mary Perkins Award for Outstanding Patient Care, with three senior figures from across the eye health sector in Australia and New Zealand appointed to assess nominations.
The panel comprises Graham Perrett, Chair of Vision 2020 and former Member of the Australian House of Representatives; Mark Nevin, Chief Executive of Optometry Australia; and Dr Justin Mora, a board member of Eye Health Aotearoa, member of the NZ National Eye Health Clinical Network, and Chair of the RANZCO Māori and Pasifika Eye Health Committee.
Named in honour of Specsavers co-founder Dame Mary Perkins, the award recognises optometrists who demonstrate clinical excellence and meaningful engagement with their patients – from sight-saving interventions to the day-to-day interactions that shape patient outcomes and community wellbeing.
Mr Perrett said the award draws attention to care that reaches beyond the consulting room.
“As someone who has spent much of my career advocating for equitable access to healthcare, I’m continually reminded that the most powerful outcomes come when clinical expertise is matched with genuine human connection. This award shines a light on those optometrists who are not only delivering excellent care but are also making a tangible difference in people’s lives and communities,” he said.
This award shines a light on those optometrists who are not only delivering excellent care but are also making a tangible difference in people’s lives and communities
Mr Nevin pointed to the award’s role in supporting strong professional standards during a period of change for optometry.
“Optometry is moving through a period of significant change, and what gives me confidence is the calibre of practitioners leading the way. Strong clinical leadership is essential to ensuring patients receive the high standard of care they deserve. Across the profession, it is important to recognise and encourage those who lead by example, support their colleagues and help advance what great patient care looks like,” he said.
Dr Mora highlighted optometry’s position on the frontline of healthcare and its capacity to address longstanding inequities in eye health outcomes.
“Across Aotearoa and in Australia, we continue to see disparities in eye health outcomes that should not exist in a modern healthcare system. Frontline optometrists are uniquely placed to identify issues early, connect patients into the broader health system, and ultimately change the trajectory of someone’s health. This award is important because it recognises those practitioners who understand that bigger picture and are committed to delivering care that makes a real difference – not just for individuals, but across communities,” he said.
Nominations are open to Specsavers optometrists. Winners will be announced at the Specsavers Clinical Conference on the Gold Coast, 12–13 September.
Dr Justin Mora
Mark Nevin
Graham Perrett
