'); }); AU / NZ America Europe/UK Membership Login News Events Women in Sport Summit 2026 Women in Sport Performance Form 2026 Playa Power Program Women in Sport Futures Day 2026 Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership News Australia / New Zealand Events Conferences Awards Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership Topics Brands Media & Broadcast Olympic Sponsorship Sports Tech Women’s Sport Show More Topics >> Sports Australian Rules Basketball Cricket Netball Rugby League Soccer (Football) Show More Sports >> Login Membership Home > Sponsorship > Paralympics Australia and Bupa Optical Partner to Expand Para-Sport Pathways Sponsorship 2 min read Paralympics Australia and Bupa Optical Partner to Expand Para-Sport Pathways Written by MOS Editorial Team Published on 14 April 2026 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. Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today! . The National Basketball League (NBL) has announced various partnerships for the Hungry Jack’s... Global food and beverage giant Nestlé has announced a partnership with the National... Global sports fashion retailer JD Sports has announced a agreement with New Zealand... Join the most engaged community in the Sports Business World. Get all the latest news, insights, data, education and event updates. Your MVP in the Business of Sport. We play the game to add value to the Sports Business industry by delivering News, Insights, Education and Events. Join the most engaged community in the sports business world. Want to be part of the team? Subscribe for free to join today! Copyright © 2026 | Ministry of Sport | All Rights Reserved.
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: ministryofsport.com