Published on Friday, 30 May 2025 at 2:35:04 PM
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference 2025 – Recap
Seeing Our Way took place from 27th to the 29th May 2025 at University of Western Australia (UWA), Boorloo (Perth)
Moorditj Koort was proud to be represented at this year’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC), held on Whadjuk Noongar Country at the University of Western Australia. Tanya, Debra, and I attended this important three-day gathering, which brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, health professionals, and community organisations committed to improving vision and eye care outcomes across the country.
The theme for this year, “Seeing Our Way,” focused on cultural strength, community leadership, and the shared journey towards equitable eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Conference Highlights
Throughout the event, we heard from several keynote speakers who generously shared their personal and professional journeys within the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) space.
One of the standout moments was hearing from Anne-Marie Banfield, a respected member of her community. Anne-Marie shared a deeply personal story of intergenerational trauma, the challenges she faced, and her strength in breaking the cycle for her children and grandchildren. Her resilience and commitment to creating positive change through community connections resonated deeply with everyone in the room.
We also heard from Anthony Hansen, who spoke passionately about his work with the Bringing Them Home Committee and the Carrolup Elders Reference Group. His powerful message during Reconciliation Week reminded us of the ongoing importance of fighting for justice, recognition, and healing for the Stolen Generations and our old people who were taken.
The conference also featured a wide range of sessions and seminars showcasing what’s working in eye health across different Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS). These sessions provided valuable insight into the strengths of community-led programs and opportunities for us to grow and improve service delivery within our own regions.
Connecting with Future Eye Health Professionals
A special part of our experience was visiting the Optometry Quarters at UWA, where we had the chance to meet and speak with optometry students currently undertaking their studies. It was encouraging to see the next generation of health professionals being trained with a focus on culturally safe and community-responsive care.
We were also proud to see Nakita Little contribute to the session titled “The Journey So Far”, where she spoke about Moorditj Koort’s collaborative role in hosting UWA Optometry placements and the growing eye health needs within the Kwinana and Rockingham areas.
Attending NATSIEHC 2025 was an inspiring and valuable experience for our team. It reinforced the importance of continued partnerships, community-driven care, and ensuring that eye health remains a priority in our work. We return motivated, better informed, and more connected to others who share our vision for a healthier future.
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