Optometry Australia warmly congratulates Harrison Pike, who took home the Emerging Leadership Award at the NATSIEHC26 Awards in May. Presented by FNEHA, the accolades were announced at the 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Australia has become the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. This is a significant milestone for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities across the nation, and a vital step in preventing avoidable vision loss.
The initiative coincides with National Close the Gap Day on Thursday, 19 March, recognising the ongoing inequities in health outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
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), to be held from 11–13 May 2026.
In the spirit of reconciliation Optometry Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
