Seeing Our Way: Bursary applications open for optometrists and students to attend NATSIEHC26

As part of Optometry Australia’s Scholarship Fund for First Nations optometrists and students, applications are now open for up to three bursaries to support attendance at the 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC26). The conference will be held from 11–13 May 2026 on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Applications close on 14 March 2026. 

About the OA Scholarship Fund

The OA Scholarship Fund was established in October 2025, in partnership with global eye care leader, Alcon. The fund provides financial support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander optometrists and optometry students to attend leading national conferences throughout 2025–2026, supporting professional development, culturally safe networking, and the development of future leadership pathways.

The inaugural bursaries were awarded in the latter half of 2025, assisting several First Nations optometry students to attend the 2025 Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. The bursary recipients highlighted the value of attending these conferences alongside peers, particularly the opportunity to connect with other First Nations optometrists, students, and non-Indigenous allies working towards equity in eye health.

Applications open for NATSIEHC26 bursaries

OA is pleased to offer financial assistance for up to three Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander optometrists and/or optometry students to attend NATSIEHC26, to be held from Monday 11 May to Wednesday 13 May 2026 on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These bursaries are intended to help cover costs associated with registration, travel, and accommodation.

The NATSIEHC26 theme, ‘Seeing Our Way: Innovation, Excellence and Healing’, marks the 10th anniversary of NATSIEHC and celebrates First Nations leadership, knowledge systems, and community strength.

Across three days, the program will convene policy leaders, clinicians, researchers, and community representatives for in-depth dialogue, keynote addresses, cultural activities, and practical workshops, with a shared focus on advancing eye health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For more information and to register, visit the First Nations Eye Health Alliance (FNEHA) website.

OA’s Director of Education and Research, Nicola Anstice said, ‘We recognise the importance of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, knowledge and lived experience within the optometry workforce, and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander optometrists and students to connect, share knowledge, and shape sector priorities. Attending NATSIEHC26 offers valuable opportunities to build professional networks, contribute to sector-wide conversations, and learn within a culturally safe, community-led environment.’

How to apply for a NATSIEHC26 bursary

Please email your name, OA membership number and a response to the points below to policy@optometry.org.au with the subject line ‘NATSIEHC26 bursary’.

1. A 100–150-word statement outlining their reasons for wishing to attend the conference.
2. A brief outline of the support required (for example, registration only, or inclusive of travel and accommodation).

Applications close Sunday 14 March 2026 at 5pm AEDT.  For queries, email the Optometry Advancement team at policy@optometry.org.au.

The next scholarship round will provide bursaries for two to three Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander optometrists or optometry students to attend the Optometry Clinical Conference 2026 in Meanjin (Brisbane), August 2026.

A strong partnership

OA is proud to partner with Alcon to enhance this assistance. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to growing and supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander optometry workforce in Australia.

Reflecting on the significance of NATSIEHC26 for First Nations eye health leadership, FNEHA Chief Executive Officer, Lose Fonua said, ‘Thank you to our friends at Optometry Australia and Alcon for investing in opportunities for First Nations students to be financially supported to attend the event. FNEHA warmly welcomes First Nations optometrists and optometry students to attend NATSIEHC26. The conference is more than professional development; it is an opportunity to participate in a culturally safe, First Nations–led space where our people can connect, learn, share knowledge, and strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership across the eye health system.’