JFF CREATE
OUR STORY
Since its inception, many senior medical professionals have volunteered with the John Fawcett Foundation, providing free, sight-restoring treatment to hundreds of thousands of Indonesians. Yet, rates of blindness in Indonesia remain amongst the highest worldwide.
This prompted Drs Qiang Li and Elaine Ong to ask the question – what if younger medical volunteers have more of a role to play?
Dr Qiang Li
Founder
Dr Elaine Ong
Founder
OUR VISION
Junior doctors and medical students interested in ‘making a difference’ through volunteering may often feel discouraged due to a lack of experience or expertise, particularly in a highly specialised field like ophthalmology.
Our aim was to show young volunteers that they can drive positive change, regardless of seniority.
Our vision is to encourage Australian and Indonesian junior doctors interested in ophthalmology and global health to fight global blindness through Charity, Research, Exchange, Awareness, Tutelage and Empowerment.
OUTCOMES TO DATE
CHARITY
RESEARCH
2024: Medical Record Digitisation
Since its inception, JFF has used paper-based notes to document all clinical care for its ever-growing registry of patients. In 2024, CREATE rolled out JFF’s first ever Electronic Medical Record, which has the potential to revolutionise service provision for the 54,000 patients JFF sees every year.
2025: Establishment of Retinal Screening
In 2025, CREATE helped to introduce and establish JFF’s first retinal screening camera. This will improve JFF’s capacity to diagnose common pathology such as diabetic eye disease, and pave the way towards epidemiological research and expanded treatment pathways.
EXCHANGE
Eight young volunteers inspired to make an impact on blindness prevention and healthcare equity
2026
Dr Alex Sherrington
I am a junior ophthalmology registrar based in Perth, Western Australia. I have completed a Master of Public Health at UNSW Sydney and have a strong interest in public health and healthcare system improvement. I have worked in outreach eye-care programs across regional and remote Western Australia with Lions Outback Vision, helping deliver specialist services to underserved communities. Through my involvement with the John Fawcett Foundation and the JFF CREATE program, I am committed to strengthening training partnerships and expanding sustainable eye-care services in Indonesia.
Dr Brendan Luu
I am a junior doctor based in Perth, Western Australia with a strong commitment to ophthalmology. Through my role within JFF CREATE, I hope to apply my clinical and research experience to support initiatives that strengthen ophthalmic services, promote sustainable capacity-building, and ultimately reduce ophthalmic health inequity in Indonesia.
Dr Mariska Ackerman
I grew up in rural South Africa and Australia, where I witnessed firsthand the challenges of accessing medical care in remote communities. These experiences shaped my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. As a junior doctor with a strong interest in ophthalmology, I hope to contribute my skills through the JFF CREATE program to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
Dr Tom van der Veen
I am a junior doctor who grew up in regional Western Australia and trained in Sydney, with a background in chemical and biomedical engineering. Having grown up in regional communities, I developed a strong interest in regional and remote medicine and understand firsthand how geography can shape access to healthcare. I am drawn to ophthalmology as a field where technology and precision medicine can transform lives. My ambition is to combine my medical and engineering knowledge to develop innovative solutions that make exceptional eye care accessible to underserved communities worldwide.
2025
Dr Martin Hein
I am a Perth-based junior doctor with a strong clinical and research focus in ophthalmology. I hope to leverage my research background to identify and answer meaningful questions that may be used to further the ambitious goals of the John Fawcett Foundation and ultimately improve the lives of those affected by poor access to eye care.
Dr Murie Sundravel
Throughout my medical career, I have found ophthalmology to be an incredibly rewarding field. Inspired by the expertise and passion of my seniors in ophthalmology, I am committed to advancing equitable healthcare and strive to make a lasting difference in eye care. With a focus on global health, I aim to use my skills where they are most needed, making a positive impact on patients’ lives and improving access to quality eye care around the world.
2024
Dr Qiang Li
I am a doctor born and raised in Perth. I hope to pursue a meaningful career in ophthalmology founded on hard work and humility. My ambition is to contribute to the provision of equitable eye care globally, through four fundamental roles as a clinician, scholar, educator, and advocate.
Dr Elaine Ong
I am an Australian-born Chinese junior doctor with a passion for ophthalmology. I’m committed to making a meaningful impact in healthcare by improving patient outcomes and enhancing access to eye care within diverse communities, while honing my skills in the ever-evolving field of ophthalmology.
AWARENESS
Received “Notable Abstract Award” from Australian Vision Research, and “Film Commendation Award” from RANZCO 2024. Scientific Program Chairs.
TUTELAGE AND EMPOWERMENT
A once in a lifetime opportunity to delve into a wealth of knowledge – visualise our legacy below
VOLUNTEER WITH US
If you’re a junior doctor or medical student keen to make a difference, watch this space! Applications for the following year will typically open in July and close in August.
Volunteers will have an opportunity to contribute to original epidemiological research, in addition to attending local and outreach eye clinics with the knowledgeable JFF team in Bali to witness the impact of their fundraising efforts first-hand.
OUR SUPPORTERS
OUR partners
