Early career optometrist, Harrison Pike, scoops NATSIEHC26 Award

Optometry Australia warmly congratulates early career optometrist, Harrison Pike, who took home the Emerging Leadership Award at the NATSIEHC26 Awards in May. Presented by the First Nations Eye Health Alliance (FNEHA), the accolades were announced at the 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Naarm/Melbourne – Wurundjeri Country.

Grounded in self-determination, cultural strength, and collective impact, the NATSIEHC Awards celebrate individuals making a lasting contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health through leadership, community control, advocacy, innovation, and allyship.

Harrison is currently a full-time optometrist at OPSM in Canberra City and holds the distinction of being the first Indigenous graduate from the Master of Optometry program at the University of Canberra. This award celebrates early- to mid-career professionals, community leaders, or advocates whose work is grounded in community, culture, and innovation, and who inspire others through their commitment and vision.

Harrison is driven by a sustained commitment to improving eye health outcomes for First Nations Peoples, with an emphasis on culturally safe and patient-centred care. “I am particularly focused on ensuring patients feel respected, understood, and supported within clinical environments where barriers have historically existed,” he said.

Harrison remains dedicated to contributing to equitable eye health services and broader system improvements, guided by a long-term vision to advance community well-being and foster meaningful, lasting change.

A proud Wiradjuri Ngemba man born in Dubbo, NSW, Harrison feels a deep bond with his heritage.

“My connection to Country is profound, culture means everything to me. I think what my ancestors fought for and what I’m continuing to fight for truly defines who I am”, Harrison said. “As an Aboriginal man, I am passionate about making a meaningful contribution to Indigenous health. I hope to advocate for improving healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whether through delivering eye health services in remote communities, or working in a management and administrative capacity. I want to better the way that my people are treated in order to close the gap for future generations.”

Harrison’s commitment to improving outcomes for future generations stems deeply from his experiences as a father of three children with his wife, Alanah. He is driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to lasting change. “My children belong to the next generation, and my aim is not to be remembered, but to build something they can be genuinely proud of.”

Reflecting on his win, Harrison expressed his gratitude to the organisers, “I was deeply honoured to receive the Emerging Leadership Award. A huge thank you to the First Nations Eye Health Alliance for this recognition. I don’t do this work for award, however receiving this means a great deal to me and reinforces my commitment to continuing to advocate for better eye health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”