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Optometry Australia is looking to support two early career optometrists in further developing their knowledge in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
Two bursaries are being offered to early career optometrists (within 10 years of graduation) to attend the 2023 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC23), which will take place on Dharug Country in Western Sydney from Wednesday 24 to Friday 26 May 2023.
NATISEHC23 will build on the wonderful 2022 Conference, where over 220 delegates gathered on Larrakia land in Darwin over 3 days in May. Since 2017, the annual national conferences have developed into a key event for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health sector, bringing together key individuals and stakeholders. The annual conferences provide a wonderful opportunity for a wide variety of voices to discuss and share success stories and challenges in eye health from across Australia.
Optometry Australia’s bursaries, valued at $1,500 each, are intended to contribute to the recipient’s travel, accommodation and conference registration.
Optometry Australia’s Policy & Advocacy Manager, Sarah Davies said: ‘The Conference aims to advance the collective work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health sector towards the shared goal of improving eye health access and outcomes of First Nations Australians.
‘Optometry Australia is committed to supporting the optometry profession to provide readily accessible, culturally safe and responsive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we are proud to be able to assist two members with a special interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health to attend.’
The conference, now running for its seventh year, is led by the National Experts Group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health (NEGATSIEH), which contributes to the Conference Leadership Group, supported by the Indigenous Eye Health Unit (IEHU) at The University of Melbourne. NEGATSIEH and IEHU announced earlier this year that the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) has accepted invitation to co-host NATSIEHC23.
Expressions of interest
Optometry Australia is calling for expressions of interest from members that outline their reason for wanting to attend the conference, as well as any experience to date they might have in First Nations health and eye care.
Bursaries are open to all Optometry Australia members, but preference will be given to First Nations applicants. All applicants are also encouraged to complete both Levels 1 and 2 of the IAHA Cultural Responsiveness Training via the Optometry Australia Institute of Excellence.
Applications should be sent to policy@optometry.org.au by Friday, 14 April 2023. Successful applicants will be advised by the end of April 2023.
Tagged as: Awards - honours - grants-bursaries, ECOs, Indigenous eye health