National Leadership · Shared Direction · System Reform
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Plan
FNEHA is leading the development of the next National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Plan, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led, culturally grounded and evidence-informed.
A shared national direction for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health
Australia has made important progress in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health, but significant gaps remain. Culturally safe and coordinated eye care pathways remain inconsistent nationally, and services are not sufficient to meet population needs.
With demand for eye care expected to continue growing towards 2030, a coordinated national approach is needed to build on progress, address persistent gaps and ensure the eye health system is equipped to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into the future.
First Nations leadership. National collaboration.
The First Nations Eye Health Alliance (FNEHA) is leading the development of the next National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Plan. Working with key partners, The Fred Hollows Foundation and the University of Western Australia, the Plan will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led, culturally grounded and evidence-informed, providing a shared national direction for communities, governments, health services and the eye health sector.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led
Centring First Nations voices, knowledge and self-determination in every stage of development.
Culturally grounded
Developed through genuine community engagement and respectful, culturally safe processes.
Evidence-informed
Drawing on the best available research, data and lived experience to guide national priorities.
What the Plan will help guide
The National Plan will provide a shared national direction and guide future priorities across the eye health system.
Policy
Shaping national and jurisdictional policy to better serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Investment
Directing resources where they are most needed to close persistent gaps in eye health outcomes.
Service Delivery
Ensuring services are culturally safe, coordinated and sufficient to meet population needs.
Accountability
Establishing shared measures and responsibilities across governments, services and the sector.
System Reform
Driving the structural changes needed for a sustainable, equitable eye health system.
Establishing the principles to guide the development of the next National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Plan
A Delphi research methodology is being used to develop shared principles that will inform the next National Plan.
Aim
Identify and agree on the foundational principles for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Plan.
Approach
A structured, multi-round Delphi process using anonymous feedback and iterative refinement to support respectful dialogue and build consensus. Participants contribute to shaping principles, while Indigenous voices remain central.
Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Data collection adheres to Indigenous data sovereignty principles.
Ethics
The study has ethics approval from the AIATSIS Ethics Committee (Ethics REC-0654).
Principal Researchers
Mr Shaun Tatipata (FNEHA), Lose Fonua (FNEHA), and Associate Professor Khyber Alam (UWA).
Research process
Round 1
Face-to-face yarning at NATSIEHC26 and an online Qualtrics survey.
Rounds 2–3
Online Delphi survey and iterative refinement rounds.
Consensus
Shared priorities and principles identified through the Delphi process.
Draft National Plan
FNEHA develops the draft National Plan from the agreed principles.
Sector Engagement
Draft socialised with communities, governments and the eye health sector.
Finalisation and Launch
The National Plan is finalised and launched as a shared national direction.
Current status
Round 3 – Final Consultation Now Open
Help shape the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
Closes
Sunday 15 November 2026
The First Nations Eye Health Alliance, in partnership with the University of Western Australia, is undertaking the third and final round of consultation to inform the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Plan.
Following Round 2, participant feedback has been analysed and summarised, identifying areas of agreement and key themes.
In this final round, participants are invited to review the summary findings and indicate whether they agree or disagree with the overall results for each focus area. Participants may also provide additional comments or clarifications.
Your contribution will help confirm areas of consensus and finalise the foundation principles and recommendations that will guide the National Plan.
Closes: Sunday 15 November 2026
Complete the Final Round SurveyFor the best experience, we recommend completing the survey on a computer rather than a mobile phone.
Participation and confidentiality
Participation is voluntary. All responses will remain confidential and will be used solely for research purposes.
This study has received ethical approval from the AIATSIS Ethics Committee (REC-0654).
Questions or assistance?
Get Involved
Stay involved
Round 3 – the final consultation round – is now open. Participate in the consultation, sign up for FNEHA updates, connect with the research team and follow our work as the National Plan develops.
Round 3 – Final Round
Complete the Final Round Survey
Contribute to the final round of consultation for the next National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Plan.
Closes: Sunday 15 November 2026
Keep Updated
Sign up for FNEHA updates
Stay up to date with the National Plan, consultation opportunities, FNEHA news, research and national eye health developments.
Contact
Talk with the research team
Questions about the National Plan or the consultation process?