Celebrating first nations women IN EYE cARE

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Sara Carrison is a Ngarrindjeri woman who was born and raised on Barngarla Country in South Australia. She moved to Kaurna Yarta to study optometry and has since found her passion in supporting First Nations people who are studying, or aspiring to study, optometry. Sara believes that creating culturally safe learning and workplace environments is essential to the success and wellbeing of First Nations people in optometry, and will ultimately contribute to improved eye health outcomes.

Sara has the privilege of directly supporting students through her role as a Lecturer at Flinders University and involvement in the 'A Place for Mob in Optometry' project. As a PhD candidate, she is working alongside optometry students and recent graduates to explore the best ways to support wellbeing and success throughout their university journey and transition into the profession. She also contributes to the profession through her work with the OCANZ Indigenous Strategy Taskforce and the Optometry Board of Australia's Policy and Education Committee, helping to influence policy and support culturally responsive education and workforce development. 

Alongside these roles, Sara is also an optometrist, with a strong commitment to improving eye health outcomes for First Nations peoples.