Paralympics Australia and Bupa Optical Partner to Expand Para-Sport Pathways

Paralympics Australia and Bupa Optical have launched a nationwide initiative to equip optometrists with the specialised skills and tools required to identify and refer individuals with vision impairments into Para-sport.

The partnership aims to bridge the gap between clinical eye care and athletic participation, supporting Australia’s ambitious long-term goal of topping the medal tally at the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

With approximately 453,000 Australians currently blind or living with low vision, a figure projected to reach 564,000 by 2030, the program addresses a critical lack of awareness regarding the optical solutions and competitive opportunities available to the vision-impaired community.

Highlighting the necessity of this specialised training, Bupa Optical’s head of clinical management, Karen Makin, said: “Understanding eligibility criteria for engaging in Para-sport is not as well understood in the industry.”

“Our optometrists have been given the tools to guide and refer clients… and provide them with knowledge of specialised clinical products to support them,” Makin said.

Emphasising the strategic importance of this collaboration, general manager of classification and pathways at Paralympics Australia, Melissa Wilson, added: “By equipping [optometrists] with knowledge and referral tools, we’re expanding the entrance to the Paralympic pathway.”

“We may not only uncover potential future Paralympians but open doors for more inclusive and active communities,” Wilson noted.

The life-changing potential of this clinical connection was echoed by Winter Paralympian Georgia Gunew, who recently debuted at Milano Cortina 2026.

“Health professionals, like optometrists, can play such an important role in helping others take that first step.”

“A simple conversation or referral can be the spark that inspires someone with a vision impairment to discover what they’re capable of,” Gunew said. 

As the Official Healthcare Partner of Paralympics Australia, Bupa is integrating Para-sport advocacy directly into its clinical workflow. Bupa Optical practitioners have undergone training to understand complex eligibility criteria and classification pathways, allowing them to act as a primary entry point for the Paralympic pipeline.

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