2027 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference — Seeing Our Way
Welcome
Welcome to NATSIEHC27
We are delighted to welcome you to the 2027 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference — NATSIEHC27 — to be held at Adelaide Oval in Tartanya (Adelaide) on Kaurna Country, 17–19 May 2027.
NATSIEHC27 will bring together community leaders, health professionals, researchers, policymakers and partners from across the country to share knowledge, celebrate leadership and drive coordinated national action on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
Why attend
First Nations leadership
Hear directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, clinicians, researchers and community members driving change in eye health.
National network
Connect with delegates from every jurisdiction — community organisations, government, universities, hospitals and peak bodies.
Latest evidence
Engage with cutting-edge research, policy developments and community-led innovations in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
Workforce development
Access professional development, mentoring and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health workers.
Key dates and actions
Plan your NATSIEHC27
Conference
17–19 May 2027
Adelaide Oval
The NATSIEHC experience
The NATSIEHC community
NATSIEHC brings together First Nations eye health workers, researchers, clinicians, community members and advocates from across the country, the only national gathering of its kind.
The conference creates space for knowledge sharing, community connection and collective action on the priorities that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
60+
First Nations workers supported with bursaries across NATSIEHC25 and NATSIEHC26
Voices from NATSIEHC
Hear from the community
Delegates, leaders and community members share what NATSIEHC means to them.
"When we come together as Mob and with our allies, we feel the love and hope and support"
Conference program
Three days on Kaurna Country
Day 1 — Monday 17 May
Cultural Activities, Community Activation, Opening ceremony with a smoking ceremony, workshop, and sponsor networking event. Full program to be announced.
Day 2 — Tuesday 18 May
Full conference day including plenary sessions, concurrent streams, workshops and the Jilpia Nappaljari Jones Memorial Oration. Gala Dinner and Awards Night in the evening.
Day 3 — Wednesday 19 May
Conference sessions, closing plenary and conference close. Full program to be announced.
Sponsor event
Sponsor Networking Event
A dedicated opportunity for NATSIEHC27 sponsors to connect with fellow partners, delegates and sector leaders in an informal networking environment.
Date, time and venue to be confirmed.
Sponsorship opportunitiesSignature event
Gala Dinner and Awards Night
Join the conference community for a night of celebration, connection and recognition of outstanding contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
Signature moment
Jilpia Nappaljari Jones Memorial Oration
The Jilpia Nappaljari Jones Memorial Oration celebrates the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to eye care. Introduced at NATSIEHC22, the Oration honours the legacy of Jilpia Nappaljari Jones and her inspiration for a generation of women leaders in eye health.
About the Oration2027 Oration Speaker
Sara Carrison
Ngarrindjeri woman
Sara Carrison is a Ngarrindjeri woman and optometrist with a strong commitment to improving eye health outcomes for First Nations peoples. She is a Lecturer at Flinders University and a PhD candidate exploring how to best support optometry students and recent graduates through their university journey and transition into the profession.
Access pathway
Community Scholarships
Community Scholarships are available to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to attend NATSIEHC27. Scholarships are made possible through the generous support of our conference sponsors.
Priority groups
Recognition
NATSIEHC27 Awards
The NATSIEHC Awards recognise the people and organisations whose leadership, commitment and actions are creating lasting change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health. Nominations are now open.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognises an individual whose career has been defined by long-term, sustained leadership and impact in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
Outstanding Leadership Award
Celebrates exceptional leadership that has strengthened systems, inspired collaboration and advanced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health outcomes.
Emerging Leadership Award
Recognises a rising leader who is making a meaningful contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and shows strong potential for future leadership.
Exceptional Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health (ACCHO) Award
Recognises an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation that has demonstrated excellence in improving eye health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Exemplary Allyship Award
Recognises a non-Indigenous organisation, program or individual that has demonstrated genuine, sustained and respectful allyship in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
Young and Deadly Award
Celebrates a young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is making a positive contribution to eye health, advocacy or community wellbeing.
Adelaide Oval
Adelaide Oval, Kaurna Country
Adelaide Oval is one of Australia's most iconic venues, set on the banks of the River Torrens in the heart of Adelaide. The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with accommodation options nearby. We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains.
Travel and accommodation
Partner with us
Partner with NATSIEHC27
Sponsoring NATSIEHC27 places your organisation at the centre of Australia's national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health community. You will connect with delegates, speakers and decision-makers from across the country, and demonstrate genuine commitment to closing the gap in eye health outcomes.
Sponsorship opportunitiesPrincipal Partner
$50,000 ex GST
Platinum Partner
$30,000 ex GST
Gold Partner
$20,000 ex GST
Silver Partner
$10,000 ex GST
Conference artwork
Connecting Land, Sky and Water
By contemporary Aboriginal artist Dennis Golding
Connecting Land, Sky and Water, created by contemporary Aboriginal artist Dennis Golding, reflects Aboriginal peoples' enduring connection to Country since time immemorial. The artwork honours our care for land and waterways as sources of life and culture, and celebrates communities from saltwater and freshwater Country coming together, connecting and working as one.
The artwork is used with the permission of the artist and must not be reproduced, altered or used outside of approved NATSIEHC27 materials.
Join us at NATSIEHC27
Early bird pricing is now open. Don't miss your chance to be part of the only national conference dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.