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We are delighted to welcome Lauren Carr (née Hutchinson) as the inaugural First Peoples Academic lead for the School of Optometry & Vision Science (SOVS) and Blakcademy in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Sydney.

Lauren Carr (née Hutchinson) is a Muruwari woman and optometrist, born and raised on Wiradjuri country in the central west of NSW. 

She graduated from her Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry from the Queensland University of Technology in 2017, following which, she returned to the central west, now residing back on the beautiful lands of the Wiradjuri people once again. Lauren has worked as an optometrist both in private practice and within the community-controlled sector.

Lauren is a sitting board member of both Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) and the First Nations Eye Health Alliance (FNEHA).   She contributes to national conversations on curriculum development and cultural safety through her role on the OCANZ Indigenous Strategy Taskforce.

Lauren brings a wealth of experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, clinical optometry, and program implementation, with a strong focus on cultural responsiveness and community engagement.

Lauren’s clinical work has included delivering school-based screening programs and supervising final-year optometry students in Aboriginal-owned practices.  Her work in rural settings has strengthened her ability to work independently, manage complex clinical situations, and communicate effectively across diverse audiences.

She is a mum of one, a wife, aunty and sister. In her spare time, you can find her curled up with a novel, on a hockey field, fishing on the Galari (Lachlan River) or just enjoying the company of all her family.

Lauren’s leadership and commitment to Indigenous health make her a valuable addition to our team.  Her passion for mentoring and supporting the next generation of health professionals aligns strongly with our mission at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.