Ernest Tay - Volunteer Story

I started volunteering with Glaucoma Australia during my third year of medical school at Monash University. I have always had a strong interest in teaching and thoroughly enjoyed learning about ocular diseases during my studies. Hence, volunteering as a Clinical Educator felt like a natural fit for me, as I can apply my knowledge to support glaucoma patients and raise awareness about this debilitating condition.

As a clinical educator, my role involves calling glaucoma patients and supporting them through different stages of their disease. Each patient is unique - some would like more information about their diagnosis and treatment, others might just want a listening ear. We encourage our patients to comply with their medication and attend appointments with their ophthalmologist. We also urge patients to get their family members tested, as they have a higher risk of developing glaucoma. 

Glaucoma Australia has been extremely supportive of my university schedule and offers me the flexibility to contact patients in my own time. This allows me to really take my time with each patient, which helps me to identify and address any specific issues they may have.

Volunteering with Glaucoma Australia has made me rethink medical education. It is not enough to just know the condition - we need to consider the patient’s perspective and communicate in a manner that best suits them. Sometimes, it can be tough engaging our patients without being with them physically. However, it is a challenge that I find incredibly rewarding and I hope that I have been able to help my patients in one way or another.

I would highly recommend this volunteer experience to anyone with a healthcare or ophthalmic background who is open-minded and has a heart to serve.