Bringing together three influential leaders from the eye health sector, Specsavers has invited Chrissie Cowan, co-chair of Eye Health Aotearoa and CEO of Kāpō Māori Aotearoa; Carly Iles, CEO of Vision 2020 Australia; and Ross Piper, CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation Australia, to the judging panel for the 2025 Dame Mary Perkins Award for outstanding patient care.  

The award, named in honour of Specsavers’ co-founder Dame Mary Perkins, celebrates optometrists who demonstrate exceptional dedication to patient care, recognising not only sight-saving interventions but also the everyday acts of compassion and clinical excellence that make a lasting impact on patients’ lives, the company said.  

Chrissie Cowan, a respected advocate for Māori health, said she was proud to be invited to the panel. “As a descendant of Ngāti Kahungunu/Ngāti Porou Iwi and chief executive of Kāpō Māori Aotearoa, I am deeply honoured to be invited to serve as a judge for the Dame Mary Perkins Award,” she said.  

“This award shines a light on those who are transforming lives through eye health, a kaupapa that aligns with our collective commitment to equity and access, especially for Māori and underserved communities. I welcome this opportunity to support and celebrate leadership in our sector and to further strengthen the relationship between Eye Health Aotearoa and Specsavers,” she said. 

Returning for a third time, Carly Iles said judging the Dame Mary Perkins Award has become a part of the year she looks forward to. “It’s a great way to recognise those who truly make a difference. It’s a privilege to be part of a process that celebrates compassion, clinical excellence and the power of patient-centred care.” 

First-time judge Ross Piper echoed those sentiments, saying the award is a testament to the dedication of optometrists who are improving lives every day and recognising those who are driving change in eye health.  

Nominations for the 2025 Dame Mary Perkins Award have now closed, with winners to be announced at the Specsavers Clinical Conference at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne 13–14 September.