Hana Naanouh - Volunteer Story

I first heard about the volunteer Clinical Educator opportunities at Glaucoma Australia from my university and have been volunteering since February this year. 

Glaucoma Australia provides educational, clinical, and emotional support to people who have been diagnosed with the disease and are unsure how this impacts their daily life. My main role as a volunteer educator is to offer follow up calls to glaucoma patients to check in on them and see how they are managing. Most of the time we simply chat about the steps they should take, I clarify anything they are confused about, and share advise on how they can cope with their visual changes. It’s a great feeling being able to use my knowledge to help support others.

All my patient calls have been memorable, and I have learnt something new from each one. Helping newly diagnosed patients better understand their condition and put their mind at ease is definitely the most rewarding aspect. This role has helped me improve my communication skills, further develop my empathy and is giving me excellent knowledge and experience to be a great future orthoptist! 

Volunteering for Glaucoma Australia is very rewarding because you're helping a patient cope with their diagnosis and at the same time, you're learning something new. For anyone interested in volunteering as a clinical educator I would recommend it! Glaucoma Australia are very considerate with your personal schedule, offer training, allow you to take your time with the patient calls, and support you whenever you need it.

Hana is currently studying a Masters of Orthoptics degree at UTS. She hopes to become an orthoptist working in low vision care or a hospital orthoptist in future.