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
Creation of JFF’s first Electronic Medical Record, paving the way for epidemiological research
2024 saw some major behind-the-scenes changes to the John Fawcett Foundation’s operations. Since its inception, JFF has used paper-based notes to document all clinical care for its ever-growing registry of patients. JFF CREATE recognised that a more modern and sustainable solution that overcomes the time- and labour-intensive nature of physical documentation would be of great benefit. The implementation of JFF’s first ever Electronic Medical Record has the potential to revolutionise service provision for the 54,000 patients JFF sees every year.
EXCHANGE
Four young volunteers inspired to make an impact on blindness prevention and healthcare equity
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.
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.
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.
Have any questions or comments? We would love to hear from you!
CONTACT US
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