Celebrating First Nations women in eye care
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 Oration
The Jilpia Nappaljari Jones Memorial Oration celebrates the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye care.
The Oration was first introduced at the 2022 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference and acknowledges the significant contribution Jilpia made to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health, as well as her inspiration for a whole generation of exceptional women leaders in eye health.
Each year, the Oration is delivered by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander woman who has made a significant contribution to eye health — through clinical practice, research, community leadership, workforce development or advocacy.
Why it matters
It honours the legacy of Jilpia Nappaljari Jones and her profound contribution to First Nations eye health in Australia.
It elevates the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are leading change in eye health across Australia.
It inspires the next generation of First Nations women to pursue leadership in eye health, research and advocacy.
2027 Oration Speaker
2027 Oration
Sara Carrison
Ngarrindjeri woman
Tuesday 18 May 2027, Adelaide Oval, Kaurna Country
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.
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.
Sara at NATSIEHC26
Sara Carrison has been part of the NATSIEHC community. In this video from NATSIEHC26, she speaks about the importance of the conference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
Sara Carrison, Ngarrindjeri woman, optometrist and Academic — NATSIEHC26
Previous Oration Speakers
The Jilpia Nappaljari Jones Memorial Oration has been delivered at every NATSIEHC since its introduction in 2022.
From the NATSIEHC Oration legacy
Aunty Janet Richardson — Life & Legacy
Aunty Janet Richardson delivered the Jilpia Nappaljari Jones Memorial Oration at NATSIEHC26. In this video, she reflects on her life, her work in First Nations eye health, and the legacy she hopes to leave for future generations.
NATSIEHC26 Oration
Aunty Janet Richardson
2026 Jilpia Nappaljari Jones Memorial Oration Speaker
Seeing Our Way: Life & Legacy
Aunty Janet Richardson is a respected elder and leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health. Her 2026 Oration drew on a lifetime of work to improve eye health outcomes for First Nations communities across Australia.