The First Nations Eye Health Alliance (FNEHA) is proud to release Seeing Our Way: Insights from the National Plan Roundtable report, capturing the collective voice of community, sector leaders, clinicians, researchers and young people who gathered for the 2025 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC25) on Whadjuk Noongar Country.
Held from 27–29 May in Perth, the conference brought together over 240 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous stakeholders, representative of every state and territory, to shape the future of First Nations' eye health.
The report reveals a strong, shared sector vision centred on self-determination, accountability, and long-term systems reform. Thank you to Roche Australia for funding its development.
The Report details Clear Priorities for Investment and Action.
Participants identified key priorities for strengthening the eye health system over the next two years, including workforce development and Aboriginal leadership, sustainable and culturally responsive funding, stronger governance and coordination, and improved service delivery and infrastructure. These actions were considered essential to improving access, quality, and outcomes.
A Vision Is Also Detailed for the Next Generation
Looking ahead, delegates emphasised the need to empower the next generation of First Nations eye health leaders. Young people must be seen, heard, and supported through greater youth voice and leadership, social accountability across systems, and opportunities to participate, train, and lead.
The Report Discusses Eight Key Themes and Corresponding Actions
Eight key themes emerged from the consultations with key actions discussed in the areas of: workforce development, sustainable funding, integrated and accessible services, health promotion, systems strengthening, accountability, voice, and youth empowerment, forming a cohesive, community-driven blueprint for future policy and investment.
Next Steps for National Action
Guided by these findings, FNEHA will work with partners to lead the design of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Action Plan centred in First Nations leadership, establish community-led working groups for priority areas, share findings across national health and policy networks, and strengthen ongoing community engagement through transparent feedback and continuous dialogue.
"Eye health equity is a priority for our communities, and the development of a First Nations-led national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health plan is a priority for our sector. We invite governments to align with the self-determination of our communities and the strong call from the eye care sector to provide funding support to develop and implement key activities that close the gap in vision."
The report is available on our website: "Seeing Our Way: Insights from the National Plan Roundtable Report."
For media enquiries, please contact: Lose Fonua, CEO — heyyoumob@fneha.com.au
