His own experiences as a migrant motivates Melbourne optometrist Dr Ahmed Azzam to help other people who are new to Australia.

His volunteer work in helping refugees with eye health issues has seen him nominated in the Australian Optometrist of the Year Awards.

Dr Azzam’s nomination says that for him “optometry is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve marginalised and vulnerable populations”.

Working with migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, Dr Azzam has helped hundreds of newly arrived refugees in Melbourne’s north.

He also volunteers in schools, delivering vision screenings to ensure children receive the eye care they need for learning and development.

“We have been offering free eye exams for recent refugees whether they have a Medicare card or not. We also offer heavily discounted glasses for them,” Dr Azzam said.

“Also, we have many Arabic speaking staff and optometrists who are able to help a large per centage of the new arrivals,” he said.

Dr Azzam said his own background as a migrant from Palestine motivated him to volunteer to help refugees.

“I come from a Palestinian background. We came to Australia for better opportunities and so I want to assist other people also have better opportunities when they are still new to the country, particularly at a time they may be doing it tough, financially and otherwise,” he said.

Dr Azzam said his work with refugees was very rewarding.

“We have many patients who are extremely grateful and happy to have a group of clinics which aim to truly help them,” he said.

“We contact the patients in their language, ensure they are able to get to us and know how, welcome them to our clinic with respect and warmth, offer them our service at no charge and if they need eye wear at heavily discounted prices.

“There are many cases where they still can’t afford it and often, we have donated the glasses to them free of charge,” he said.

“I chose to become an optometrist because of a lifelong fascination with the complexities of the human eye and a strong desire to contribute positively to people’s lives.

“Growing up, I was always interested in biology and health sciences, and optometry offered a unique blend of both.

“I love my job because it allows me to improve my patients’ vision and overall quality of life. Each patient presents a new challenge and an opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to make a real difference.

“The joy on a patient’s face when they experience clear vision for the first time or after a long time is so rewarding and drives my passion for this profession,” he said.

Dr Azzam came to Australia with his family from Palestine at nine years old.

“I went to public primary and high school, graduated with an ENTER score of 99.85, completed the Bachelor of Optometry Course at the University of Melbourne at the end of 2009,” he said.

“Since then, I have completed other advanced courses including a paediatric and an advanced eye diseases course.

“I worked at many locations before opening my Dallas Clinic in 2014, followed by the Craigieburn Clinic in 2017. Since then, we have always tried to help everyone who needs our service no matter their background or financial situation,” he said. 

His nomination citation reads: “For Ahmed Azzam, optometry is not just a profession, it’s a calling to serve marginalised and vulnerable populations. He leads with heart, not for accolades, but because he genuinely cares about people”.

“Ahmed’s quiet commitment reaches many corners of his community. He provides free home eye exams for patients with mobility challenges or severe health issues, which has been life-changing for those who would otherwise be unable to access essential eye care,” it reads.

“He has a knack for explaining vision issues in simple terms to students, making them feel at ease while educating them for life, and emphasising the importance of any follow-up treatment to caregivers.

“In his quest for continual improvement across the profession, Ahmed leads a group of about 20 optometrists who meet regularly to discuss cases, educate one another, and share advice.

“Ahmed’s work is driven by a genuine passion for improving eye health and a profound sense of care for every patient.

“He has changed lives by restoring sight and independence for people who would otherwise go without.

“His unwavering kindness and commitment to treating everyone with respect and dignity make him a true role model,” the citation reads.