Volunteering in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in Eye care Training Programs
Dr John Farmer recognised the dire lack of optometric services for the people in PNG and initiated an eye care training program, which has since developed into a life-changing eye care system in the developing country. This program provides optometric training and development with L&F volunteering in Papua New Guinea.
He has worked with many organisations in PNG, including living there for almost two years as the Fred Hollows Foundation PNG Education Manager and the Head of the Department of Eye Care at Divine Word University.
John established an optical workshop in Port Moresby Hospital and serves on the board of PNG Eye Care, a national NGO dedicated to making glasses accessible and affordable throughout PNG. He co-wrote the National Eye Plan and is a member of the PNG National Prevention of Blindness Committee.
Dr John Farmer overseeing eye care in Papua New Guinea
Currently, John visits PNG twice a year for short teaching trips and consults for the University of Papua New Guinea to provide teaching to Ophthalmology trainees.
Teaching a diverse range of students about Vision
Ken Thomas graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1985. Within a few years he was teaching graduate students at the Victorian College of Optometry.
Ten years later, in 1995, he was invited to teach Optometry to the undergraduate students of Monash Medicine. He now regularly teaches 3rd and 4th year students about vision and the eye during their course with Monash Rural Health. He also teaches GP fellowship trainees in Gippsland.
Ken continues to give a webinar each year to the students studying the Post Graduate Certificate of Therapeutics for the Australian College of Optometry, and is committed to helping students in our community.