Specsavers has unveiled the judging panel for the 2026 Dame Mary Perkins Award for Outstanding Patient Care, bringing together three influential leaders in eye health across ANZ to spotlight the stories that truly define exceptional care.
A media release said that judging this year would be a panel comprising Graham Perrett, chair of Vision 2020 and former federal MP; Mark Nevin, CEO of Optometry Australia; and Dr Justin Mora who sits on the board of Eye Health Aotearoa, is a member of the NZ National Eye Health Clinical Network and is also chair of the RANZCO Māori and Pasifika Eye Health Committee.
Named in honour of Specsavers’ co-founder Dame Mary Perkins, Specsavers said the award celebrated optometrists who go above and beyond – not just in sight-saving interventions, but in the everyday moments of compassion, clinical excellence, and human connection that leave a lasting impression on patients’ lives.
Perrett said the award played an important role in recognising care that extended beyond the clinical setting.
“As someone who has spent much of my career advocating for equitable access to healthcare, I’m continually reminded that the most powerful outcomes come when clinical expertise is matched with genuine human connection. This award shines a light on those optometrists who are not only delivering excellent care but are also making a tangible difference in people’s lives and communities,” said Perrett.
Nevin highlighted the importance of strong clinical leadership as the optometry profession continued to evolve.
“Optometry is moving through a period of significant change, and what gives me confidence is the calibre of practitioners leading the way,” he said.
“Strong clinical leadership is essential to ensuring patients receive the high standard of care they deserve. Across the profession, it is important to recognise and encourage those who lead by example, support their colleagues and help advance what great patient care looks like.”
Dr Mora said optometry played a critical role on the frontline of healthcare and had the potential to address persistent inequities in eye health outcomes.
“Across Aotearoa and even in Australia, we continue to see disparities in eye health outcomes that should not exist in a modern healthcare system,” he said.
“Frontline optometrists are uniquely placed to identify issues early, connect patients into the broader health system, and ultimately change the trajectory of someone’s health. This award is important because it recognises those practitioners who understand that bigger picture and are committed to delivering care that makes a real difference not just for individuals, but across communities.”
Nominations for the 2026 Dame Mary Perkins Award are open for Specsavers optometrists with winners to be announced at the Specsavers Clinical Conference on the Gold Coast in September.
