Eyes On the Prize – Celebrating Dr Kris Rallah-Baker

Minum Barreng congratulates Associate Professor Kris Rallah-Baker, Australia’s first Aboriginal ophthalmologist and an Honorary Principal Fellow at Minum Barreng, following his recent feature on ABC’s Australian Story (Monday 21 September 2026).

‘Eyes on the Prize’ follows Kris’ journey into ophthalmology and his grit and determination to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health. The program explores the challenges encountered during his medical and specialist training, as well as his commitment to challenging racism and helping create a more culturally safe health system.

Importantly, the story also looks to the future.

Kris combines private ophthalmology practice with outreach work in rural and remote communities. As the program highlights, providing good eye care is about much more than bringing clinical expertise to a community. Trust, relationships, cultural safety and understanding the community context are all critical to ensuring people can access and benefit from care.

Kris also emphasises the importance of growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specialist and eye care workforce. While he became Australia’s first Indigenous ophthalmologist, there are now a growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors training in ophthalmology. Kris continues to play an important role in mentoring and encouraging this next generation.

This progress matters. A stronger First Nations eye health workforce brings clinical expertise together with cultural knowledge, connection and leadership, strengthening services and the health system more broadly.

Minum Barreng has been privileged to have Kris associated with our work as an honorary staff member and to share his commitment to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.

We congratulate Kris on this well-deserved recognition, celebrate the growing First Nations eye health workforce, and encourage everyone to watch his inspiring story.

Watch Australian Story 'Eyes on the Prize' – ABC iView

Read 'Trailblazing eye surgeon Kris Rallah-Baker took on the establishment and won' - ABC News