Above: FNEHA CEO Lose Fonua and UWA Head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Associate Professor Khyber Alam at Parliament House on Ngunnawal Country.
The First Nations Eye Health Alliance (FNEHA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the University of Western Australia (UWA) to advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led eye health reform.
Established through the co-hosting of the 2025 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference: Seeing Our Way in Boorloo (Perth), the partnership affirms FNEHA's leadership as the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health, with UWA supporting this self-determined agenda through its research capabilities and collaborations.
"This partnership with UWA reflects what strong allyship can look like in action, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in eye health and strengthening our collective ability to drive long-term, community-led reform. We are proud to build on the momentum of the 2025 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference and work together to grow evidence, capability and systems change that delivers real outcomes for our communities."
FNEHA and UWA will collaborate on culturally safe, evidence-based research centred on community priorities, strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce pathways in eye health, and embedding cultural integrity and Indigenous data sovereignty in research and policy.
"UWA is honoured to stand alongside FNEHA as an ally, supporting its leadership as the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to self-determination, cultural integrity, and evidence-based action ensuring research and education contribute directly to stronger, more equitable eye health systems led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
One of the initial joint projects this year includes supporting the development of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Plan.
FNEHA looks forward to working with UWA to build stronger systems, evidence and workforce pathways that support lasting change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
