Jamie Atkinson

“For most people, trekking through the remote Sargamatha (Everest) National Park in Nepal on a volunteer mission to provide eye care to remote villagers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But having just completed the gruelling adventure with Eyes4Everest, early career optometrist Jamie Atkinson is keen to return one day.”

— Mivision Article - November 2024

“It’s a really nice way to make a difference,” Ms Atkinson told mivision.

“When you do something like this, you just get that sense that you can really make a difference and really help people. That’s one of the reasons I joined the profession, to be able to help people and provide advice and care for people that really need it.

“Also, I think the challenge of the hike itself really gives you a sense of fulfilment. You do train a lot, and it’s definitely challenging, but once you complete it, it’s such a great feeling. And you have your team members, who are all there with you the whole time, which gives you that real sense of comradery… it’s just a very uplifting experience.”

“… it’s definitely challenging, but once you complete it, it’s such a great feeling”

— Jamie Atkinson

Origin of Eyes4Everest

Eyes4Everest was started by Sydney optometrist Shaun Chang who, while trekking in the Sargamatha (Everest) National Park, discovered the local hospital was severely under-resourced.

Eyes4Everest continues to recruit optometrists to visit – predominantly from Australia – to assist local Nepalese optometrists to provide eyecare to remote villages in the Everest and Annapurna regions.

Ms Atkinson was one of eight optometrists – seven from Australia and one from the United Kingdom – who joined two Nepalese optometrists on the most recent Eyes4Everest mission in October-November.

Across 11 days of trekking on the Renjo la Pass, the team walked nearly 100 km and gained over 2,500 m of elevation, delivering much-needed eye care to approximately 200 patients across three days at the Thamo, Thame, and Phortse eye camps.

Adapting Her Skills Set

Ms Atkinson, who provides locum optometry and dispensing services to a number of Melbourne practices, said the trip exposed her to a new culture and forced her to adapt her skills to a unique environment.

“We were doing general optometry examination but the ocular health station was limited to portable equipment like a hand-held slit lamp, binocular indirect ophthalmoscope, and tonometer. We were going out to small villages in the Himalayas, so fairly remote kind of areas, and providing an eye examination for anyone who wanted to come in.

“We could prescribe glasses, which were made in Kathmandu, and then sent up afterwards. We also facilitated referrals for cataracts and anything else that needed ophthalmology involvement.

“We managed dry eye and other ocular surface problems, and had access to topical lubricants, antibiotics and steroid eye drops. Having the Nepali optometrists there really helped, because they knew how to organise referrals and get things done,” Ms Atkinson said.

Lunch near the Renjo La Pass

Hoping to Return

Ms Atkinson said one of the joys of the trip was meeting the local people.

“They were very lovely people and very kind. We did see some patients that had had eye tests not that long ago… but a lot of patients were having eye tests for the first time. So, it was a mix.”

And for the future, Ms Atkinson said when time and opportunity presents, she would love to return.

“Not many people have volunteered twice, so I want to be someone that would do it again…perhaps in a few years.

Myra Leung

I returned to the Sagarmatha (Everest) region for the second time in November 2023. Six years have passed, but the people are as friendly and hospitable as ever, and the mountains are still as majestic. You have to see them with your own eyes.

We had the opportunity to witness the opening of the eye clinic (funded by Eyes4Everest) at the Khunde Hillary Hospital. We got to listen to the stories of how it was before eye camps came to the area. Patients would dig through a box of donated glasses to find one that could help them see. These stories were inspirational and challenged us to continue to provide eye care because there is always a need. We need donations to fund the staffing of the eye clinic for years to come. It would be great if Australian and New Zealand optometrist volunteers could come to the eye clinic to work alongside the staff and share their experiences.

We conducted three days of eye camps across the Khunde Hospital and Pangboche Health Post. A total of 270 patients were examined, with different needs ranging from uncorrected refractive error, cataracts, dry and irritated eyes and even a rope injury to the eye of a mountaineer. Our guides, Nepalese optometrists and vision screening trained nurses helped with translation and testing. Everyone had their eyes thoroughly tested.

There was a long line of people waiting for eye tests. Some of them had walked hours to see us. Some of them had not checked their eyes for several years. One of the challenges in testing patients was translating from English to Nepalese to Sherpa and vice versa. It was like playing a game of Chinese whispers, but fortunately, those waiting in line were eager to help. It was a fantastic experience to go back to primary optometry without all the frills (it has been a while since I have used a direct ophthalmoscope to look at so many retinas).

Our team made it to the Everest Base Camp and saw the tip of Mount Everest. I enjoyed looking at my favourite mountain - the magnificent Ama Dablam (which translates to Mother’s Pearl), which loomed over us for most of the trek. Sadly, we did not quite make it to Gokyo Ri, so most of us will return to do it. On the way back, I got to experience my first helicopter ride. I was initially apprehensive, but it was just a great way to top up the trip. It gives you a whole new perspective seeing the mountains from halfway up compared to being on the ground, and we can see the vast, varied terrain of Nepal between the Sagarmatha region and Kathmandu, the capital city. Seeing houses on top of a mountain with a windy road makes you wonder how people live. How can they access healthcare in these remote regions? We are privileged to live in places with access to clean water, electricity and flushing toilets.

The trek challenges you, but everything is worth it when you meet other like-minded teammates, the guides and porters who treat you like family. I enjoyed meeting friendly villagers, story-sharing travellers and the stray dogs that follow you. Of course, the views are astonishing, and Everest Base Camp is always one of those bucket-list items to pursue, but you get so much more out of it.

After returning a second time, I am already anticipating when I can return. I will never get tired of seeing Ama Dablam, and I still have so many places I want to explore, like Gokyo, Annapurna and Langtang. Maybe it is time you get to experience this challenge, and we might see each other in the mountains.

Lisa Truong

I had the great opportunity to volunteer with Eyes4Everest and have been significantly humbled from my experience.

It was first in university where I learnt about the mission of Eyes4Everest and have wanted to be involved since. Covid had unfortunately delayed that but it all came into fruition regardless!

Over in the Everest region, we saw the Sherpas’ lifestyle and way of life. Us volunteers all had an idea of how different our Australian experience was, but living it felt much more eye-opening. It truly made me realise that simple conveniences such as a hot shower and constant running water were in fact also a privilege of living in a first world country.

The main form of transport for locals were their two feet and there was definitely no easy access to facilities such as doctors or comprehensive healthcare in many villages. Working to provide eyecare to this community was incredibly fulfilling, and I felt even more inclined to go above and beyond knowing that the locals may not have another opportunity to see another optometrist or many months or years. Some people also travelled on foot for 3-4 hours to see us for their health checks. Seeing how grateful the community was reignited my passion for why I chose optometry and I felt so privileged to have had a hand in helping the Nepali and Sherpa community.

The mountain is absolute and shows no discrimination. It was a difficult trek but an enjoyable one, and one that I will most definitely come back to again.

Ziran Li

In the past month, I was honoured to volunteer for Eyes4Everest.

I have always wanted to do a volunteer trip to Nepal ever since learning about our uni’s Optometry program. Funnily, watching the Dr. Strange film made this desire even stronger.

In the Everest region, we witnessed the grand opening ceremony of the Khunde Eye Clinic (which took ten years in the making) and conducted Eye Camps at Khunde Hospital and Pangboche. It was striking to meet people of all ages who travel four hours one way on foot to have their eyes examined. It was also rewarding and heartwarming to see the beautiful smiles on their faces when they could see clearer. It was nice to learn the Lea shapes in Nepali passively.

E4E 2023 Volunteers Lisa Truong, Crystal Dang, Ziran Li and Myra Leung on a helicopter heading back to Kathmandu

Before the trip, I was terrified but more so excited. There were many firsts on this journey and many experiences that I would love to partake in again.

• Trekking 4-6hr each transit day on “Nepali flat”, fuelled by Dal Bhat Power

• Had the world’s best fresh buffalo Momos at Ang’s place

• Had the world’s best chips and Momo Sauce at Santosh’s family home

• Taking a helicopter flown by an ex-military pilot over the Nepali mountains.

  Getting chased by two yaks

• I mistook glacier for rock and slipped over (this must’ve been how it feels to slip over a banana peel in Mario Kart)

• Making it to Everest Base Camp

I feel incredibly blessed with perfect weather over the entire trip. Moreover, we were gifted with beautiful snowfall on our final hiking day.

The people made this trip so special: the guides that took us in like family, the supportive and fun teammates and getting to know my bud (and Pooki!).

This was an eye-opening, inspiring and unforgettable experience. Quoting our teammate Tiff , ”I was truly humbled by the mountains, in the best way possible”.

Nepal, see you again.

Black Panter/Tailgator/Zee Peace out

The Roses

Eyes for Everest has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.

I don’t think you can ever quite prepare yourself mentally for what to expect. I mean you expect trekking through Nepal to be tough, but when you’re on your fifth day of hiking up the “Nepalese flats” there comes a point where you start to wonder why you would do this to yourself. But then you come across the most breathtaking views, inaccessible any other way than with your own two feet. Or you meet new and amazing friends who you know will be lifelong, and you get closer to once strangers than friends you’ve known for years. Or you sing and eat with the Sherpas who are always full of energy and love to give. Or maybe it’s when you see the locals who welcome you into their villages, many who have trekked from the next village over, but are ever so thankful for the primary eye care you provide.

Eyes for Everest has achieved so much since its conception. They have brought primary eye care to many who did not have such access previously. It has grown to include the Sherpa guides, local optometrists as well as working towards being run and sustained by local health workers. I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to volunteer for such a great cause and would highly recommend both Eyes for Everest and the Sherpa guides and porters from K-Tenzing Adventures who made this an unforgettable experience.

P.s make sure you are okay with leeches before going and don’t eat ANY meat on the mountains.

Rose Gu & Rose Huang - NSW Optometrists

Rory Dowdall

Being possibly the least experienced and least fit of the trekking group, I wasn’t sure what to expect on my journey around Annapurna with Eyes4Everest. Packed with my K-Mart camping gear and dodgy trekking shoes, we set off as 10 strangers at the start of the trek and finished up as close albeit smelly friends. By the end, no joke was off limits and daily discussions about bathroom habits became the norm (when Shaun tells you don’t eat the chicken on the mountains man you better not eat that chicken!). The early parts of the journey were tough but very rewarding, as we all turned to Michelle at the end of every trekking day to see how many flights of stairs we had covered as well as how many kilometres, so we could gauge how much Dahl Bhat we could pig out on for dinner and still feel like we were exercising.

The locals at our first stop at Hille were amazing, every patient greeted you with a genuinely warm “Namaste” and couldn’t stop saying thank you as they finished their testing, you could really see that the services being provided by the Eyes4Everest group were hugely appreciated, and as we left Hille the locals gathered and gave us a sending off ceremony that really gave us all the warm fuzzies as we set off to conquer base camp. On the journey up the mountain we were lead by the most amazing team of Sherpas and porters who made sure that we were kept safe every step of the journey, even if that meant risking their own safety at a few mudslides and waterfalls which we encountered on the way. Kami and his team quickly became more than just our guides, but our good friends also, and having them join us for the cultural dinner at the end of the trip was a particular highlight for me. They weren’t just there to help us up the mountain to base camp, they also provided us with some great memories during the evenings after our trekking, organising impromptu dance parties (even if myself, Harrison and Ryan’s dance moves were questionable) and becoming increasingly competitive Uno players as well.

By the time we arrived back in Pokhara after the trek it was hard to say goodbye to the Sherpas and porters, as many returned home to their villages after the trek, however we all managed to add each other on Facebook to keep up to date on all of their amazing adventures. I’d highly recommend joining the Eyes4Everest group for one of their volunteer treks, even if you aren’t very “outdoorsy” by nature (like myself), you get to experience the most spectacular views, become friends with some amazing people and also help the wonderful Nepali people who live in the Himalayas. They are genuinely the most hospitable people I’ve ever come across while travelling and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all again (and not eat chicken this time…)

Rory Dowdall - Queensland Optometrist

Michelle and Harrison Lamarca

Harrison and I embarked on this trip to Annapurna Base Camp only focused on the help we could give Eyes4Everest to provide eye care to the people of the Annapurna region. However, what we experienced was a soul warming journey that we will remember for years to come.

We never expected to come across some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen in my life! Literally hundreds of waterfalls, tumbling from the tops of the magnificent mountains all the way to the rivers and streams that we crossed day after day by suspension bridges. Lush green rain forests that I remember thinking was like a mystical forest in a fairy tale. Fields of beautiful wildflowers in every colour surrounding the track as we approached base camp. And of course there was the mountains! You couldn’t wipe the excited smiles off our face as we spotted our first snow covered mountain out of our hotel window in Ghorepani. After that, the Himalayan snow covered mountain views only became more and more breathtaking especially at Poon Hill and from Base camp.

The people we met on our trip also made the experience an unforgettable one. Our team bonded quickly, and we fast became great friends who talked, laughed, danced, drank endless amounts of tea, played games and most importantly supported each other through any challenges we faced on the trek. The inside jokes and banter were endless. Our Sherpa guides and porters were so amazing - they led us always with an encouraging smile or joke, often singing amongst themselves, sometimes performing what seemed to be superhuman feats to ensure our path was safe. From the games of uno and hangman and soccer to the Nepalese discos they organised for us at night, I can’t describe the kindness and joy that they brought into our days in Annapurna. Lastly the people of Nepal we met along the trek, and especially those we examined, were beautiful and warm people. In every eye examination, we were greeted with a Namaste and a huge smile and sometimes a high five from the kids. To be able to help them, and examine their eyes, was an honour that we’ll never forget.

Shaun and his entire team at Eyes4Everest do a brilliant job at helping and changing the lives of the people of Nepal. We have found our experience life changing, and I personally can’t wait to return in future years to help Eyes4Everest further their work in this region.

Michelle Lamarca - Queensland Optometrist

Rebecca Verster

What an incredible trip ABC 2019 was! It was very special to combine trekking in one of the most beautiful parts of the world with eye clinics in the local villages. Our group of 10 strangers quickly became very close as we experienced so many highs (and some lows!) together over the three weeks. Our Sherpa guides and porters were such an incredible team that kept us safe and happy during the trek, they were of invaluable help translating during the eye clinics and there was never a dull moment in their company!

It was a privilege to be part of the E4E team to Annapurna. E4E is such a fantastic charity doing great work in the Nepal region. The Nepalese are such beautiful, happy people who provide amazing hospitality and cook delicious food. It was a rewarding experience helping in a small way to improve vision and dispense eye drops to people that cannot readily access eye care. I would love to come back again and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of going!

Rebecca Verster - New Zealand Optometrist

Angela Mao

The Annapurna Base Camp trip was absolutely incredible and very well organised!

It is incredible that some of us have the opportunity to take on such opportunities where we can travel and create an impact. Not only this, but challenge ourselves and build friendships along the way.

From this trip, I came back stronger with an incredible confidence boost and 10 new caring, mindful and inspiring strangers I now call friends.

I find this to be the greatest part of the trip. The connections. Together you will marvel at the scenery, chase goats/chickens, share incredible food, laugh at smelly clothes, drink lots of ginger tea, flick leeches off each other, climb the Nepalese flats and sing along with the wonderful Sherpa guides and porters. That's only the start!

You will also get to meet some of the sweetest Sherpa guides and porters whom closely work with Eyes4Everest. K-Tenzing Adventures are a bunch of incredibly supportive, reliable and ridiculously fit people! They also join the efforts of translating. One thing I still find strange is that although we weren't walking fast, the guides were so skilled at pacing us that we were overtaking most others. Thank you Santosh & Mingma!

Finally, the heartwarming smiles of the Annapurna region. Every corner you turn, you will connect with other trekkers over being in this magical mountain and laugh with the tea house workers. There are also plenty of adorable dogs, mules, chickens, kittens and baby sheep. I will never forget the moment I was able to hold a baby sheep at ABC with the full clear view. Don't forget about the views of Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill.

This trip will forever be in my memories as exhilarating, mind blowing beautiful and a reality check of how accessible health care is for me in Australia.

Angela Mao - Sydney IT Solutions

Claire and Ryan Armstrong

“We started out as a group of 10 strangers volunteering for optometric healthcare work in the Annapurna mountains, embarking on a 14-day trek from Nayapul to Annapurna Base Camp. 4 days were spent eye testing, and 10 days were spent trekking.

Every day along the trek, we were treated to beautiful scenery. I spent endless hours gazing up at the rolling, green foothills, taking in the expansive, misty valleys and craning my neck back to view the towering mountain peaks. In addition, on arrival at each lodge, as if it wasn't already reward enough to have finished walking up and down stairs for the day, we found that many of them had fantastic views right outside. 

I was humbled to see the strength of community spirit everywhere we trekked. "Namaste" was always offered sincerely and received with a smile. Vendors were pragmatic and never nasty. Food in the mountains is fairly simple and largely vegetarian, living facilities are very basic, and commute to the closest city Pokhara is arduous and expensive. But this didn't seem to ever stop strangers greeting and treating each other as kindly as they would family. 

We had 3 wonderful Sherpa guides, Kami tenzing (head guide), Santosh and Mingma, and 5 amazing porters each of whom carried 2 travelers' luggage. In a foreign country where none of us understood the language (not even the numbers), we were all so well taken care of from start to finish. 

These guys are the most genuine, kind and warm people. They chatted with us all along the way, and at break times we played cards and chess together. They are also reassuringly pragmatic and super strong. Without hesitation, they would lift rocks to help us bypass a landslide area, hold our hands down slippery slopes, and carry our backpacks when we could no longer do it ourselves from sickness or injury.

Then there were the animals. So many calm, friendly, curly-tailed dogs all along the trek, greeting and accompanying each band of travelers for some length before stopping to rest at the next settlement. We also crossed paths with ox, mules, horses, goats and chickens, all of whom were not the least perturbed by travelers' curious stares. Leeches tended to appear when it started raining in the afternoons, so that's when I would start checking my shoes, hands and walking sticks neurotically.

We return from this trip with our hearts full and with plenty of stories to tell about the beauty of the mountains, the warmth of the people and the desire instilled in us to visit again!”

Claire L’Armstrong - Sydney Optometrist

Ryan Armstrong - Sydney Engineer

Riya Makan

“What an adventure! It was an honour to be part of the E4E trip to Annapurna Base Camp this year. 

It was amazing to see how grateful the local people were and the difference we could make in the few days of testing we had. 

The trek itself was such a rewarding experience and I enjoyed every minute of it. Our team bonded over chicken momos and smelly clothes and everything in between; we had an absolute blast together. 

A highlight for me was definitely spending time with our wonderful Sherpa guides and porters. Whether they were versing us in a friendly round of Frisbee or Hangman, helping to translate for us during testing, or getting down to some Nepalese tunes on our last night, they did it all with a laugh and a smile!”

Riya Makan - Final Year QUT Optometry Student

Megan Jayne Zabell

“I’d highly recommend the Eyes 4 Everest trek to anyone and everyone!

The physical challenge I was prepared for, but what I found really surprising was the mental challenge as well. But working together as a group with a shared goal is what really helped us get there in the end.

It’s amazing to be on the other side of the world, knowing only a handful of words of the local language, and working with a team of people who were strangers a few days ago, all just working together to help in whatever small way we can.

10/10, would do again.”

— Megan Jayne Zabell - Melbourne Optometrist

Ashleigh Wong

“The Eyes4Everest EBC trip has changed my entire perspective on life.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be able to help people who can’t access the care they need and through this experience, I was able to achieve this dream... but I’ve also gained so much more. It has changed the definition of hard work for me, seeing the way the locals give continually and never give up in the hardest of conditions (and continue smiling through it all) is something I’ll treasure forever.”

— Ashleigh Wong - Canberra Optometrist

In-Hae Park

“No words can truly describe the experiences of the past 15 days.

It opened my eyes and heart to the people and culture of Nepal. Helping the Sherpa people of the Everest region was a humbling experience as I came away feeling they helped me more than I helped them.

The physical and mental struggles of hiking to base camp was beyond anything I had put myself through. It taught me resilience, patience and perseverance and that I can further widen my comfort zone. But what I treasure the most is our team. We had the best team that bonded instantly and our Sherpa guides were the best anyone could ask for.

I come away with memories and relationships to last a lifetime.”

— In-hae Park - Wellington Optometrist

“Tough Journey, mesmerising views, inspirational people, amazing group, fantastic guides: unforgettable experience.”

— Dennis Han - Banker

W3 Weinberg

“My motivation to join Eyes4Everest stemmed from a deep personal need within to make a difference to communities that lack access to eye care. I believe good vision is a basic human right and have a strong sense for social justice and equality regardless of race, beliefs or demographics.

I always knew this journey would be different from previous experiences, in that for the first time, I was to be challenged in a physical sense and pushed outside my comfort zone. Never before did I have to rely on my own two feet to get me to my destination, let alone face the struggles of altitude.

I felt a great sense of pride in being able to share this journey with my children, Shane and Tali. For years, they had been exposed to my passion for giving back and to share this experience with them would give them an opportunity to experience first hand how meaningful it feels to “pay it forward” and provide perspective for the privilege they have had in being brought up in Australia.

Team EBC 2018 came together as a group of strangers bound by our common goals. We quickly let down our guard and firm friendships were instantly established. We enjoyed sharing our personal stories and learned about our cultures, family backgrounds, and personal interests.

The clinics were a highlight. We were able to provide access to good vision for some and for others, we hope that the referrals will be followed through and good outcomes achieved. I personally spent hours thinking about how to make Shaun’s legacy more sustainable and have an even bigger long-term impact. Visiting Kumjung was a personal highlight. We felt a great sense of pride to meet the families of our guides and their warmth and hospitality radiated upon us. Connecting the past and where it all began to the future of a permanent clinic sight made a lasting impression and fuelled my desire to continue to work closely with Eyes4Everest to have a lasting impact for the beautiful people of the Himalayas.

It is ultimately the triumph of the human spirit that lives with me. I know, categorically, that I walked away with more than I gave. To watch the spirit of the Nepalese people taught me so many life lessons. They all helped each other, their strong sense for the community and for looking out for each other was palpable. Nobody was ever self-serving and the family and community values resonated strongly and aligned with my personal priorities.

A stand out was without a doubt our Sherpa Guides. These multi-faceted men have my utmost respect and admiration. We were not the strongest, physically fit group and not only did they guide our way, but they motivated every step we walked. They transformed into translators at clinics and their skills often left us in awe of their capability to take over some of the tests, having fun with the patients along the way. They cooked for us, kept us well nourished and had an intuitive eye on each of us, knowing just when a little extra care was needed. I personally know that I would not have made my journey to Base Camp and back without the support of these amazingly humble and beautiful people. They did more than guide us, they were role models in human behaviour and leadership and their attributes can’t be praised more highly.

Without wanting to sound cliched, these experiences shape who we are and leave a lasting impact on building our character. I will forever be connected to the people and know that these memories and every challenging step we took will be remembered fondly for years to come.”

— Robyn Weinberg - Bailey Nelson Eyecare Director

W3 successfully reached Everest Base Camp

“Coming from a non-optical background, I joined the Eyes4Everest team not knowing exactly how, or if, I was going to be able to make an impact on this journey.

What I soon realised is that having knowledge and skills is a huge asset, but being able to open our hearts, provide ears to listen and hands to help is truly the greatest gift of all. By interacting with the locals and seeing their immense gratitude it became clear that even the smallest acts of kindness were making a difference.

The Eyes4Everest journey taught me about the human spirit, both that we as a group demonstrated and what we received in return. I was truly overwhelmed by the warmth, kindness, generosity, and passion demonstrated by our guides, patients and Nepalese locals we met along the way. Nothing was ever too much to ask or done without a smile. So too I learnt about the power of the mind. Hiking and pushing our bodies to our limits demonstrated the importance of tenacity, determination and strength.

I walk away from this experience with a huge admiration and respect for all the people I met along the way and countless memories and life lessons that I will always treasure.
”

— Tali Weinberg

Phakding Eye Mission

“Everyone can be great because anyone can help.

Being one of the few non-optoms on this journey, I felt humbled playing a part in such an amazing team on an incredible mission.

Despite my Nepalese vocab being limited to “Namaste”, the gesture was always returned with the largest most welcoming smiles. Straying off the tourist track, we were able to experience a more authentic Sherpa experience, highlighting the people’s humility, patience and fierce dedication to work. The trip proved challenging both physically, mentally and emotionally, taking us all a little outside our comfort zones. Working together as a team, we achieved so much more than expected, and through it all, friendships were forged through the blood, sweat, tears and other bodily fluids whose hilarious stories can’t be mentioned.
”

— Shane Weinberg

Shane, Tali and Tashi Doma Sherpa Optometrist

Na Pham

“Eyes are the windows to the soul - We all embarked on this journey with a primary mission to provide eye care for people of the Himalayan region. From the tranquil landscape and humble communities encountered, I’m able to walk away with much more than I was able to provide, a fulfilled soul.

Thank you to each and every member of EBC 2018, this journey wouldn’t have been possible without your strength and dedication!”

— Na Pham - Melbourne Optometrist

Ashley George

“Working with Eyes4Everest was the most rewarding and broadening experience I’ve had to date. This expedition fulfilled me in so many ways, and exhausted me mentally and physically.

What impacted me the most was the genuine connection I was able to create with a team I’d never worked with before, patients from what felt like an entire world away, and the Nepalese family we formed with our guides and porters.

Despite different cultures, languages and ways of life, I felt connections and genuine understandings with the Nepalese people. Although the objective of our mission was to provide needed eye care health to the remote villages of the Himalayas, I feel like I’m leaving with a more satisfied soul and heart. Seeing the faces of those we helped is invaluable.

Being a dispenser was always a secondary career for me, something I never really thought I could change the world with. But seeing myself use skills I took for granted, to help people who really needed it has changed my world, something I’ll never take for granted again. I’m leaving Nepal feeling more inspired than ever before, and I really do hope I’ll be back here to continue more work with the Himalayan mountain communities.”

— Ashley George - Sydney Optical Dispenser

Wendy Berlecky

“When I received the email asking for volunteers for the Annapurna mission. I recalled a recount from a couple of years earlier where, on the last morning of the clinic in some remote village, they had opened the windows only to see the queue to the clinic trailing off down the hill. Word had spread and villagers had walked for hours to have their eyes tested. Unfortunately they couldn’t get to everyone that last day so many made the long walk home unseen. That broke my heart.

Being 57 years old though, I didn’t think it was something I would be able to be a part of. My family were all very supportive and confident that I was fit enough so I went ahead and volunteered. It has been the most amazing experience!

I was on the refraction team and, after doing a ret, holding up lenses my patient grabbed my hands and wouldn’t let go because they could see for the first time in years! I will always treasure the huge grin when I took her outside to show her how the world should look; and the enormous hug at the end of it all.

I think I have the dubious honour of being the oldest volunteer to date but please don’t let age deter you from such an amazing experience. You won’t regret it.”

— Wendy Berlecky - Sydney Optometrist

Jenny Hsieh

“This is my third trip to Nepal with Eyes4Everest. When I first heard that there is need for primary eye care in the Everest region, naturally I felt I should be there. I can put my skills to use where it’s needed and it’s such an amazing part of the world!

This ABC trip has been a wonderful experience. Apart from the rewarding feeling of completing the trek and helping people solve eye problems, what is invaluable to me is all the wonderful people I get to spend time with on the trip. Sherpas are the sweetest and kindest people you’d ever meet. As well, spending time with your colleagues in an environment where life is so simple and basic, you get to know a different side of them.

Being close to nature somehow bring out people’s real selves. Genuine human connection happens - something we are getting less and less of as the world gets faster and busier. The ABC trip is surely not sipping cocktails by the pool side. The experience is second to none and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those that share the same precious memories”

— Jenny Hsieh - Brisbane Optometrist & E4E Secretary

Pete Gardner

“As I write, I am sitting in the hotel in Kathmandu, having a momentary break from the noise and chaos of this incredible city. We have handed over the optometry equipment and plenty of advice (listen to your guides and look after your porters!!) to the Everest team, who have now assembled before they fly out to start their mission tomorrow. I am looking forward to following their adventures over the next few weeks, so stay tuned!!

It has been my immense honour and privilege to work with Team ABC 2018, thank you to Wendy, Ashley, Megan, Jenny, and especially Tashy! an awesome team of professionals to work with! A special thanks to our Supermen Mani, Dil and Laxman who carried a couple of consulting rooms to the top of a mountain! And we couldn’t have done this without the care and watchful gaze of our guides Kami and Santosh! Thank you all for the last three weeks this has been an immeasurable experience, and I am now fitter than I have been for a decade!

Finally, I need to say a heartfelt thank you to our families back home. Without your support none of this would be possible. Thank you and love to you all.

Chances like this don’t come along very often, when they do, grasp them with both hands and don’t let go!
”

— Pete Gardner - Perth Optometrist & Photographer

ABC Team 2018