Commitment to First Nations Peoples Health

OCANZ Bursaries

In early 2022 OCANZ advertised the availability of bursary supports to contribute to the costs of registration, travel, accommodation and meals to attend a professional development event.  OCANZ invited Schools of Optometry programs to support Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and/or Māori community members, students and/or academics working with one or more Australian or New Zealand optometry schools to improve the delivery of culturally safe curriculum and have a strong interest in Indigenous health to apply. 

The purpose of the bursaries is to:

• Support and encourage those with a demonstrated interest in Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori health education to gain professional development and increased learning in the field
• Provide financial support to those who may be interested in presenting at the nominated conferences (presentation is encouraged but is not a requirement)
• Support attendees to highlight the OCANZ commitment to improving Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori health education to other delegates
• Support leadership opportunities for those community members involved with Optometry Indigenous health education
• Strengthen the active involvement of community with optometry schools.

OCANZ is thrilled to announce that we have awarded four bursary supports in 2022.  The successful applicants will use the bursary funds to support their attendance at various events including the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health and the Indigenous Allied Health conference. 

2023 OCANZ Bursaries – now closed for submissions

Following the success of the bursary program in 2022 we are pleased to announce that we are offering bursaries again in 2023.  OCANZ is now inviting applications from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and/or Māori community members, students and/or academics who are working with one or more Australian or Aotearoa/New Zealand optometry schools to improve the delivery of culturally safe curriculum and have a strong interest in First Nations health.  

Each bursary is up to the value of $2,000 to contribute to the costs of registration, travel, accommodation and meals to attend a professional development event approved by OCANZ. 

Click here for more information about this bursary opportunity, including guidelines for application.  Applications should be sent to projectofficer@ocanz.org by Friday 3 March 2023.  Successful applicants will be advised by the end of March 2023.