Young optometrist recognised as inspirational role model

Proud Murrawarri (also spelt Muruwari, Murawari, Murawarri) women and optometrist Ms Lauren Hutchinson has been recognised as an inspirational role model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hutchinson was announced as the winner of Indigenous Allied Health Australia’s (IAHA) Allied Health Inspiration Award at the 2022 National Indigenous Allied Health Awards in Canberra in November.

The Allied Health Inspiration Award is awarded to a current IAHA member who has demonstrated an ability to inspire others through their positive approach to their personal and professional allied health journeys – overcoming challenges and taking a strengths-based approach to success – and demonstrated commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of this organisation and the amazing people I have met through IAHA. I am only here because I stand on the shoulders of giants,” Hutchinson posted on LinkedIn.

The principal optometrist at Eyewear Specs in Forbes, NSW, Hutchinson is a IAHA board member, a member of Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand’s (OCANZ) Indigenous Strategy Taskforce, a member of Early Career Optometrists NSW/ACT Committee, and was named an Eye Health Hero by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness in 2020.

Optometry Victoria South Australia CEO Ms Ilsa Hampton attended the IAHA awards gala at the National Convention Centre, Canberra.

“I was at the awards and was delighted to see Lauren recognised for her outstanding work. Lauren is a valued member of our O=MEGA/WCO Conference Committee member and a leading light for optometry in Australia,” she said.

This story originally appeared on Insight News.