Seeing Our Way: Bursary applications open for optometrists to attend NATSIEHC25

Optometry Australia (OA) is pleased to announce that it is again offering a bursary to support members to attend the 2025 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC25) on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people in Perth on 27-29 May 2025. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander optometrists and optometry students are strongly encouraged to apply by 21 March.

NATSIEHC25 is Australia’s premier event dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and brings together a diverse group of stakeholders who are committed to improving eye health outcomes for First Nations Peoples.

Why attend?

With the theme ‘Seeing Our Way’, NATSIEHC25 offers the chance to deepen understanding of the key issues, challenges and innovations in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health. It is also an opportunity to:

• Engage directly with First Nations leaders, health professionals and communities.
• Explore strategies for delivering culturally safe eye care and consider how these might be applied in optometry.
• Contribute to national discussions on equity in eye health.
• Network with professionals who are leading positive change.

Visit the conference website for more details, including the program and registration information.

About the OA bursary

OA members with a passion for, or are actively involved in, advancing eye health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are invited to apply for this bursary, which will pay $3000 towards the costs of attending NATSIEHC25 (such as airfares, accommodation and registration fees).

While all OA members can apply, preference will be given to First Nations applicants. Where applications do not require all funds, the bursary may be split between multiple recipients.

Applications close on 21 March 2025. For queries about the application process, email policy@optometry.org.au.

Read here about last year’s NATSIEHC bursary recipient.

How to apply

Please email your name, OA membership number and a short summary response to the below questions to policy@optometry.org.au with the subject line ‘OA NATSIEHC25 bursary’.

1. What do you hope to learn at NATSIEHC25?
2. What experience to date might you have in First Nations health and eye care, including any cultural responsiveness education completed?
3. How you would apply learnings from the conference to your work?

Applications close 21 March 2025. For queries, email the Optometry Advancement team at policy@optometry.org.au.