Making a world of difference: UWA optometry students transform lives at refugee eye clinic

24/01/2025 |
3 MINS

When Dana Ghosheh started her Doctor of Optometry at UWA, she didn’t imagine she'd be helping to restore sight to people from across the globe. Now in her final year, she's part of an important initiative that's changing lives one patient at a time.

"The refugee clinic experience is truly unique and has opened my eyes to the broader impact that optometry can have," said Dana.

"Witnessing how this profession can reach underserved communities has solidified my commitment to making a difference."

 

It has broadened my perspective on where optometry can take me and the meaningful ways it allows me to help others.”

Through the Lions InReach Vision (LIV) collaborative clinic with the Department of Optometry and Vision Science, students work alongside experienced professionals to provide eye care for refugees and asylum seekers. Since 2022, the clinic has conducted nearly 900 consultations, delivering life-changing care to patients from Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and beyond.

Ms Jingyi Chen, who helps lead the initiative with Ms Elisse Higginbotham, believes the program creates value for all involved. 

"Our students gain real-world experience while making a genuine difference in people's lives. They're learning about cultural sensitivity, communication across language barriers, and the human side of healthcare," said Ms Chen.

For Dana, the clinic has been the highlight of her studies so far.

"Helping refugees is deeply personal to me, as I am aware of the immense challenges they face," says Dana. "One experience that stands out is a young boy who came to the clinic for his very first eye exam.

His excitement as he selected his first pair of glasses was palpable, even through the translator. Body language transcends words - his joy and appreciation were unmistakable and deeply moving.”

"Moments like this remind me of the incredible privilege we have to bring such positive changes to people’s lives.

The program goes beyond basic eye exams. Students work with interpreters, learn to navigate cultural differences, and gain exposure to complex cases they might not see in regular practice. Thanks to partnerships with the Lions Eye Institute and OneSight Foundation, patients receive free glasses and access to advanced treatments when needed.

"This isn't just about providing eye care," says Dr Khyber Alam, co-leader of the initiative. "It's about training the next generation of optometrists to be compassionate, culturally aware practitioners. When our students graduate, they take these experiences with them into their careers."


Want to make a difference through optometry? Learn more about UWA's Doctor of Optometry and join students like Dana in transforming lives through vision care.

Course Code: 91590
CRICOS Code: 0101919
Duration: 3 years full time
Campus: Perth, Western Australia
Teaching mode: Face-to-face
Intake: January
Information is current as at January 2025.

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