2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference
2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference
Welcome
The 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC24) will be held on nipaluna country (Hobart, Tasmania) from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 May 2024.
The 2024 Conference is, for the first time, formally hosted by the First Nations Eye Health Alliance (FNEHA), Australia’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led eye health organisation. FNEHA itself was born out of gatherings and workshops of First Nations delegates in the 2022 and 2023 Conferences, signifying the progress of First Nations self-determination and leadership in eye care. The Conference is again supported by the Indigenous Eye Health Unit (IEHU) at The University of Melbourne.
The 2024 Conference will build on the success of the wonderful 2023 Conference, where over 240 delegates, including over 100 First Nations delegates, from all states and territories gathered on Dharug land in Parramatta, Western Sydney over 3 days in May 2023. Since 2017, the national Conferences have developed into key annual gatherings of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health sector. The annual Conference provides a unique opportunity for connections, conversations, and knowledge exchange from our collective effort in eye health from across Australia.
National Conferences for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health sector have been held since 2017, making 2024 the eighth event. The annual Conference provides a wonderful opportunity for the sector to come together and a wide variety of voices are presented to support discussion and sharing of success stories and challenges from our collective sector efforts across Australia.
The Conference aims to advance the collective work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health sector towards the shared goal of ending avoidable vision loss and blindness for First Nations Australians. Delegates will include representatives from Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and other primary care service providers, eye care clinicians, policy makers, researchers, non-government organisations, hospitals, professional peak bodies and government departments from across the country.
Please join us in May 2024.
Please email Indigenous-EyeHealth@unimelb.edu.au with any questions.
NATSIEHC24 Sponsors
We would like to thank our sponsors for their vital contributions towards the running of this years Conference.
GOLD:
The Fred Hollows Foundation
BRONZE:
Optometry Australia (OA)
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO)
Department of Health Tasmania
Conference Theme
The theme for this year’s Conference is Our Vision in Action, representing the next phase in the growing evolution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in eye health.
This year’s theme wishes to elevate and explore activities, projects, and initiatives to end avoidable vision loss and blindness that are led or guided by First Nations peoples and organisations. The activities delivered as part of this theme will support the eye care sector in our collective journey to implement principles of self-determination and representation in eye care.
Background:
The 2024 theme is a natural progression of the 2022 and 2023 themes, ‘Our Vision in Our Hands’ and ‘Finding Our Voice’. Whereas past themes explored the emerging First Nations leadership in eye care, this year’s theme progresses from the vision and planning stage to the action stage. The progression of themes mirrors the progression in First Nations leadership and ownership of the Conference itself.
Held annually since 2017, the Conference shifted in 2021 to all-First Nations leadership. The 2024 Conference is, for the first time, formally hosted by the First Nations Eye Health Alliance (FNEHA), Australia’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led eye health organisation. FNEHA itself was born out of gatherings and workshops of First Nations delegates in the 2022 and 2023 Conferences, signifying the progress of First Nations self-determination and leadership in eye care.
For First Nations delegates, the 2024 Conference will aim to empower, inform, inspire, and share experiences in leading and supporting initiatives designed to improve eye health outcomes in their communities. For Non-Indigenous delegates, the Conference will aim to deliver knowledge, guidance and some practical skills to help shape their future contributions to ending avoidable vision loss and blindness for First Nations Australians through necessary shift in ways of working across all levels of the sector from local access to national the policy landscape.
Registration
Dates and times
- Wednesday 22 May 2024; times to be advised; Welcome Reception in the afternoon
- Thursday 23 May 2024; times to be advised; Gala dinner and Awards night
- Friday 24 May 2024; times to be advised
Who should attend the conference?
The Conference is designed to bring together and connect people involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye care from local communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, health services, non-government organisations, professional bodies and government departments from across the country. We would like to invite everyone who is working on or interested in improving eye health and care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Content
The Conference is planned to include keynote speakers, plenary sessions, tabletop presentations, workshops, campfire discussions, posters, sector awards, sector exhibition of resources, cultural experiences and social functions...and lots of time to chat and exchange.
Price
Early bird registration opens from 10 November 2023 - 31 January 2024.
Regular registration opens 1 February 2024 - 30 April 2024
Community Member Conference Registration* | |
Early bird full registration (open 10 Nov, 2023) | $300 |
Full registration (open 1 Feb, 2024) | $500 |
One day registration (for day 1 only & day 3 only) | $250 |
One day registration (for day 2 includes conference dinner) | $350 |
Conference dinner additional ticket | $155 |
Youth dinner ticket (under 18 only) | $60 |
General Conference Registration | |
Early bird full registration (open 10 Nov, 2023) | $1050 |
Full registration (open 1 Feb, 2024) | $1250 |
One day registration (for day 1 only & day 3 only) | $700 |
One day registration (for day 2 includes conference dinner) | $800 |
Conference dinner additional tickets | $190 |
Youth dinner ticket (under 18 only) | $60 |
* Community Member registration is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates and delegates employed or on the board of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
Payment
Tickets are available to purchase through event management and ticketing website Eventbrite. Payment via credit card is preferred however if you require an invoice, this can be arranged. This invoice can be paid via bank transfer and BPAY. (Please allow 2 weeks once you register for your invoice to be created and sent to you).
Refunds
- This is a ticketed event, and the tickets are not transferrable
- Registration maybe be cancelled and refunded up until 30 days before the event starting. The Eventbrite fee is non-refundable
see all Terms & Conditions
Questions
Please email Indigenous-EyeHealth@unimelb.edu.au with any questions.
Conference Program
See below a outline for the conference program.
This will continue to be updated.
Sponsors
We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their vital contributions to The 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference.
GOLD
The Fred Hollows Foundation
The Fred Hollows Foundation are confirmed as the first Gold level Conference sponsor. The Foundation has supported the national Conference for a number of years, including sponsorship. Conference organisers are delighted to be working with the Foundation for NATSIEHC24.
BRONZE
Optometry Australia (OA)
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO)
Department of Health Tasmania
Optometry Australia, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) and Department of Health Tasmania are confirmed as Bronze level Conference sponsors. OA and RANZCO have long established partnerships with the national Conference, and we are excited to have the support from Department of Health Tasmania in 2024. Their commitment to support the sector's gathering in 2024 is welcomed and appreciated by organisers.
The significant contributions of sponsors allows NATSIEHC24 to provide bursaries for some First Nations delegates, and also supports the future of this important gathering, in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hands.
Sponsorship Prospectus
Conference Leadership Group (CLG) of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference is inviting expressions of interest for Conference sponsorship. Please note that expressions of interest for sponsorship are by invitation only.
The Indigenous Eye Health Unit has provided support since the inaugural national Conference in 2017. The Conference is moving to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander controlled event, and sponsorship is necessary to provide for future events.
Sponsorship of NATSIEHC24 will help support First Nations self-determination in eye care, and will ensure that this important annual event continues in future years, in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hands.
Sponsorships will also support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates from across Australia to attend this important gathering.
For more information about Conference sponsorship, please see below.
Please contact indigenous-eyehealth@unimelb.edu.au for any queries.
Abstracts
Abstracts Extended Abstract submissions will now close Friday 8 March.
NATSIEHC24 will be held on 22 - 24 May 2024, and we are inviting abstract submissions for Oral, Tabletop, Workshop, Quick Yarn and Poster presentations in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
We welcome abstracts from all working in or interested in improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health. Abstract submissions which include at least one Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander presenter will be given preference for inclusion.
Conference Theme
The 2024 theme is a natural progression of the 2022 and 2023 themes, ‘Our Vision in Our Hands’ and ‘Finding Our Voice’. Whereas past themes explored the emerging First Nations leadership in eye care, this year’s theme progresses from vision and planning to the action stage. The progression of themes mirrors the progression in First Nations leadership and ownership of the Conference itself.
For more information on the theme and its background, please see here.
Topics of Relevance
Topics should be relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and support the 2024 Conference theme. Topics for abstracts could include: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership of eye care; community-led and innovative approaches to improving eye health outcomes; effective commitment, communication, and advocacy in eye care; working collaboratively and interculturally to improve eye health; cultural safety in eye care and in the eye health and vision sector; eye care in the primary health care setting; community and/or cultural engagement initiatives; workforce development; overcoming challenges in coordination and case management; improving outcomes and access to services; health system changes and reform.
If you are interested in presenting your work, please submit your abstract below. The closing date for abstract submission is Friday 8 March 2024.
We hope to see you at the conference and thank you for considering sharing your experience and knowledge.
Key Dates
Call for Abstracts Open | Friday 10 November 2023 |
Call for Abstracts Close | Friday 8 March, 2024 |
Acceptance Notification | Friday 29 March, 2024 |
Presentation Types
The 2024 Conference will include opportunities for presentation in several formats. Additional details to support preparing your presentations are also provided.
You may indicate your preferred format with your submission. Please note that there are limited spaces available for each type of presentation, and the organisers may propose a different presentation format than proposed by the authors.
- Oral presentation: up to 20 minute presentations, with or without slides.
- Table Top presentation: An opportunity for sharing of information and exchange in a smaller group setting. Each Table Top presentation will be for up to 10 minutes only, including questions and discussion, and repeated in front of changing group of delegates.
- Workshop: suitable for skill-sharing, interaction and practical knowledge exchange, and will be allocated up to 90 minutes.
- Quick Yarn presentation: featuring short, informal yarning presentations (3-5 minutes, First Nations presenters only). See more details below.
- Poster presentation: The conference also welcomes posters, which will be displayed throughout the Conference.
Quick Yarn session: The session aims to support emerging First Nations people working in the sector to share stories, perspectives, and experiences. Each presenter will have up to 5 minutes to share ideas, perspectives, and emerging projects. The Session Chair will also be able to support the presenter by asking previously agreed questions. Please contact us for expressions of interest and with any questions about this session.
Abstracts should be a summary of the presentation with no more than 200 words (not including title and authors).
Submission Instructions
- Please submit an abstract of up to 200 words, and a title (no more than 15 words);
- Please include a short bio for each presenting author (no more than 50 words);
- Please note that abstracts with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander presenting/ co-presenting authors with be prioritised in the program;
- Please indicate whether you prefer to deliver your paper as an Oral, Table Top, Workshop, Quick Yarn, or Poster presentation;
- Please complete an additional submission form for each abstract;
- The deadline for abstracts is Friday 8 March, 2024
For questions, additional information, or support with your submission, please contact us at Indigenous-EyeHealth@unimelb.edu.au
Awards
The 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Awards
Award Nominations
The 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Awards recognise achievements and contributions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health. These sector awards, originally known as the Leaky Pipe Awards, have recognised and honoured champions and unsung heroes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye care annually as part of the sector’s national conferences since 2018.
The awards are aligned with the Conference theme 'Our Vision in Action' – set by the Conference Leadership Group.
This broad theme works to highlight and promote the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and leadership in the eye health sector locally and nationally. The theme also promotes the need for greater First Nations leadership through community-controlled services and evolving national governance mechanisms, including the call to enshrine an Indigenous voice into the Australian constitution.
We are pleased to open nominations for the 2024 awards, in the following categories:
- Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health by Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO)
- Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health (Individual)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in eye health
- Allyship in contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health
We are particularly interested in identifying and acknowledging the many ‘unsung heroes’ contributing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
The 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Awards will be presented during the 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference on nipaluna country, 22 - 24 May 2024.
See the full list of previous award winners
See selection criteria and nomination form below.
See 2023 Award Winners Here:
you can see the full list of all previous award winners (above)
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Exceptional Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Award by Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO)
Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service
From the nomination statement: The Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service (WAMS) was one of the first eye health locations within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in NSW to provide bulk billed optometry services provided to their community members, starting in 1999 through NSW Aboriginal Vision program, co-designed with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) and the Brien Holden Foundation (then known as ICEE). The fruit of those early seeds of collaboration continue to flourish today.
The nomination highlighted the dedication and commitment of WAMS management to eye health, as they have continued to fund a dedicated Eye Health Coordinator position since the very beginning of this program until today.
The WAMS Eye Health Coordinator supports clinics in Walgett and outreach services at Lightning Ridge, Goodooga, Collarenebri, Narrabri, Wee Waa and Pilliga.
Up until 2015 the WAMS Eye Health Coordinator serviced both the Walgett region and Hunter New England regions, supporting over 30 outreach clinics. WAMS worked with the support of optometry provider the Brien Holden Foundation to hand some of the Western NSW and Hunter New England clinics over to the established Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in those communities.
WAMS embraced eye health so much that they applied for infrastructure grants to establish a well-equipped dedicated eye health room. Local outreach patients are referred into WAMS when OCT imaging in required which eliminates travel for patients so eye health conditions can be managed locally.
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Outstanding Leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Award
Janet Richardson
From the nomination statement: "Janet has been involved in eye health for many years. She is currently based in Broome working as an Aboriginal Health Worker. As a respected elder of Baard and Yawuru Ooranyg/Ngala Jandu (salt water woman), she has also been a community ambassador for the new Lions Outback Vision Kimberley Hub.
Janet’s journey with health care began when she was 15. She trained as a nurse and worked at the Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (BRAMS) as technical assistant at Pathwest. In eye health, she has worked at the Fred Hollows Foundation and was based in the East Arnhem Region for 15 years as the Eye Health Coordinator and then worked for a period of time in WA Country Health Service (WACHS) as the Trachoma program coordinator. She is now back home in Broome and playing an important role in connecting her community to the eye care pathway. She says: “A healer has a special place in the community, is a promoter of health who will always regard persons who have taught them their craft, from this I have learnt and carried throughout my whole life the responsibility and honesty to maintain confidentiality entrusted to me for my job performance.”
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Emerging Leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Award
Shannon Davies
From the nomination statement: "Shannon is Australia’s first Indigenous woman to graduate in optometry. She grew up in Mareeba, a small town with a population of around 7,000 in Far North Queensland. She comes from the Wiradjuri People of Dubbo in New South Wales.
After completing her optometry degree at the University of Melbourne in 2004, she has become a pioneer for her people in the field of optometry, working in rural parts of Australia conducting school screenings and providing spectacles and eye care for Indigenous patients in remote clinics. Shannon owns a private optometry practice in Ayr Queensland. Shannon has been a member of the Optometry Australia Aboriginal Advisory Group. She is currently Deputy Chair of the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand Indigenous Strategy Taskforce and a member of the OCANZ Board.
Shannon’s pioneering work exemplifies this year’s theme of Our Vision in Our Hands: Finding our Voice and she is a leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
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Deadly Allyship in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Award
Ben Hamlyn
From the nomination statements: Ben Hamlyn is an Adelaide based optometrist who has spent the last 10+ years working in remote communities to improve accessibility and quality of eyecare for first nations people living in the APY lands, Coober Pedy and Port Augusta. It is worth noting that Ben received no less than 4 separate nominations, a testament to the impact Ben continues to have on his colleagues.
Ben has made significant contributions to the health and well-being of the Anangu of the Pitajtjantjara Yankuntjatjara Lands South Australia, and throughout the regions where he works. Ben has conducted hundreds of eye checks, providing prescription glasses to people who would have otherwise struggled with daily living activities. Ben has also worked closely with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and their eye nurses and coordinators in developing community-based eye health programs that focus on prevention and early intervention, which are critical for reducing the incidence of eye disease among Indigenous communities. Ben has expanded Community Eyecare (the name under which he practices) from just himself a couple of years ago, to a team of 5 optometrists and growing, allowing for a significant increase in services given across the state. Ben not only still visits and sees these patients, but also coordinates the team and organises each clinic, corresponding with communities, funding bodies, and individuals to provide a seamless structure and an effective delivery of excellent service.
Ben’s commitment to Indigenous eye health is evident in all aspects of his work, from his clinical practice to his advocacy for the provision of funded prescription glasses and policy work in his role at Optometry Australia.
Selection criteria
Selection criteria for the awards include a significant contribution and demonstrable outcomes to improve eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Achievements will be measured against a broad range of criteria and can include making a difference in eye health within a clinic, community or region, participation and support for eye care improvements, supporting implementation of the Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision and Strong Eyes, Strong Communities and contributions to other programs and initiatives within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health sector.
The Conference theme, 'Our Vision in Action', will also be reflected in the selection process.
The selection committee for the 2024 awards is comprised from members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference Leadership Group.
Nominations
The nomination requires
Nomination form, which includes:
- a 300-word maximum statement in support the individual, group or organisation that is being nominated
- name and contact details of a supporting referee
- name and contact details of the person making the nomination
- please use the nominations form (below).
- email completed form to Indigenous-EyeHealth@unimelb.edu.au
Nominations Close, Friday 26 April, 2024
For questions, additional information, or support with your nomination, please contact us at Indigenous-EyeHealth@unimelb.edu.au
Bursaries
Bursary applications
Applications for bursaries are now open to support First Nations delegates to attend the 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC24), on nipaluna country in Hobart Tasmania, 22-24 May 2024.
Who are bursaries intended for?
Bursaries are intended to support First Nations People to be able to attend and participate in this exciting annual sector gathering. Applications are not limited to those currently working in and around eye care, and we encourage students and other interested community members to consider applying for this unique opportunity.
Key selection criteria:
- Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander People with interest in eye health.
- Priority may be given to First Nations high school and university students, Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, and those working for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
Please note that interest in bursaries is very high, and only a limited number will be available, mostly based on sponsorships and external support. We strongly suggest exploring other organisational funding opportunities, if available, to help us make sure more First Nations delegates can be supported to attend.
What do bursaries include?
Bursaries cover full Conference registration, transport and accommodation as required. Bursaries are not offered as set amount.
Who administers the bursaries?
Bursaries are distributed by the organisers of NATSIEHC24, in a process led by the Conference Leadership Group and supported by the Indigenous Eye Health Unit (IEHU) at The University of Melbourne.
Funding for bursaries are kindly enabled through the generous contributions of Conference Sponsors and IEHU.
Are there any conditions associated?
The successful applicant will be asked to complete a survey detailing their experience at the conference and workshops. Successful applicants will also be required to attend a photo opportunity with sponsors, to be published in communications related to the Conference.
Bursary applications close Friday 1 March.
To apply, please complete the online form below.
Travel & Accommodation
IEHU have been able to secure some hotel discounts and we have information regarding transportation to the venue, please see below.
Venue:
The conference will be hosted at Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart
Location:
Ground Floor/1 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000.
Accommodation Options:
Hotel Grand Chancellor special Conference rates
(Please make sure to use the link above and select the “BOOK NOW” button underneath the event information rather than searching for availability via the main website/booking sites, otherwise the discount will not be applied)
Terms & Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY TO: The 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC24)
You're entering this 'Event' constitutes your acceptance of all the terms and conditions listed below only upon which entry is granted.
- This is a ticketed event, and the tickets are not transferrable
- Registration maybe be cancelled and refunded up until 30 days before the event starting. The Eventbrite fee is non-refundable
- Entry to the venue is at your own risk and is subject to the terms and conditions of the host venue
- The University of Melbourne and its agents reserves the right to refuse admission and to remove persons from the venue for any reason including behaviour likely to cause damage, nuisance or annoyance of for failure to comply with the reasonable requests of The University of Melbourne or its representatives staffing the Event
- Smoking and using e-cigarettes: Smoking is banned within 4 metres of a pedestrian entrance to or exit from a public building in TAS. This law is called the ‘4 metre law’ under the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000
- Helium Balloons, Incendiary devices (Flares, fireworks, and smoke bombs) are not permitted into the venue and any person in possession of such articles may be refused entry or ejected
- No Weapons of any type are permitted in the venue and any person in possession of such articles may be refused entry or ejected
- No Banners / Poles or similar are allowed into the venue
- No bags / large items that cannot be placed under your seat are permitted into the venue
- The University of Melbourne and its security personnel may conduct security and or bag searches to ensure the safety of persons at the Event. Failure to consent or submit to an inspection may result in denial of entry
- Illegal substances are strictly prohibited from the Event
- No animals will be admitted into the venue (service animals exempt)
- No unauthorised trading is permitted within the venue or venue grounds
- No unauthorised recording or photography is permitted at this event without prior permission from the University of Melbourne
- The University of Melbourne is recording and photographing the Event. Your attendance at the Event shall constitute your approval for inclusion within the photography, filming and audio recording and your approval permission for The University of Melbourne to make full use of the images, recordings and the footage was taken without any recourse to you.The University may use, copy, publish, make available, distribute, transmit, perform, display, edit or modify the images, recordings and the footage anywhere in the world, but only for the purposes of academic, teaching and research activities (including the creation of online courses); promotion and marketing (including of the University and courses provided by the University and its content partners and use of images on Imagebank); reporting and journalism; and knowledge transfer (Permitted Purposes). You are not entitled to any royalties, fees or other compensation in return for any utilisation of the images, recordings and the footage permitted by this. Should you wish to opt out of this inclusion you must speak with a University of Melbourne staff member prior to entry
- The University of Melbourne, its employees and agents are not responsible for any loss, injury or damage, howsoever caused, to you except where any such loss, injury or damage is caused by the negligence of The University, its employees or agents
- In the interests of public safety, The University of Melbourne and its agents reserves the right to request you to leave the venue at any time for safety reasons or immediately after the Event. No admission or re‐admission after the end of the Event
- IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Please follow all directives of venue & security personnel and staff
- Providing evidence of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a requirement of event attendance, however the University continues to strongly encourage everyone to stay up to date with their vaccination
- All information collected in online forms related to NATSIEHC24 will only be used for the specified purpose of each form (including: registration, bursaries applications, abstract submissions, workshop registration, post-conference evaluation survey), in accordance with the University of Melbourne’s General Privacy Statement, available here.
COVID-19 Information
COVID Protocol
All delegates should note that this year’s NATSIEHC is being prepared as an in-person event, in line with the Tasmanian Government and the University of Melbourne COVID-19 guidelines and requirements for in-person events.
The University of Melbourne events continue to operate in accordance with COVIDSafe settings and the Conference Leadership Group and Conference organising group is committed to delivering a COVIDSafe event in conjunction with Tasmanian Government Department of Health advice.
The Tasmanian Government and the University of Melbourne continues to strongly encourage individuals to remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, but the University and Tasmanian Health do not require evidence of vaccination to access in-person events.
Please note that we are running an event where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and community members will be in attendance. We ask that you DO NOT attend the NATSIEHC24 if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, including a fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, or loss or change in sense of taste or smell – however mild, even if you have a negative rapid antigen test result.
If you have any further questions or queries, please feel free to contact us: Indigenous-EyeHealth@unimelb.edu.au