About Us
WHO ARE WE?
At Eyes of Hope, we're dedicated to bringing the gift of sight to the homeless population of New South Wales (NSW) through our pioneering mobile eye clinic. With over 35,000 homeless individuals in NSW, many of whom suffer from suffer from reduced vision due to short-sightedness, long-sightedness or reduced reading vision due to age. Our mission is to provide free eye checks and glasses, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their situation, has the opportunity to see a better future. Our services help improve their quality of life, access to employment, and ability to manage daily tasks independentlyOUR CAUSE IN NUMBERS
At an average of 40 patients per outreach and 1 outreach per week, it would take 5 years to reach all the homeless in NSW.
- 35,011 Homeless Individuals in NSW: According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021), NSW is home to a significant portion of Australia's homeless population, highlighting the critical need for our services.
- 7,636 Sleeping Rough: With 6% of the homeless population in NSW sleeping rough, the accessibility and mobility of our clinic are vital in reaching the most isolated individuals.
- 10,923 Requiring Spectacles: Extrapolating from international studies, an estimated 31.2% of the homeless population suffers from correctable refractive errors, underscoring the extensive need for eye care.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team is at the heart of everything we do. We're a group of dedicated professionals passionate about eye health. Together, we bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and compassion to our mission of serving the homeless population of NSW. 
Dr Shenouda Girgis
Medical Doctor
Dr Shenouda Girgis (Founder)
Dr Shenouda Girgis is a medical doctor with previous experience in Ophthalmology and Emergency Medicine. He has participated extensively in international Ophthalmology volunteering missions to India, Kenya and Egypt
Dr. Girgis's expertise in both ophthalmology and emergency medicine underscores his dedication to delivering comprehensive patient care, while his work with ADEH reflects his deep commitment to charitable endeavors and international health improvement.
Dr. Girgis's expertise in both ophthalmology and emergency medicine underscores his dedication to delivering comprehensive patient care, while his work with ADEH reflects his deep commitment to charitable endeavors and international health improvement.
Marc Eskander
Optometrist, Medical student
Mr Marc Eskander (Founder)
Marc Eskander has worked as an Optometrist for 8 years and currently completing his medical training at Notre Dame University. His entrepreneurial spirit shines as the Managing Director/Owner of Walk Different, a venture that showcases his commitment to innovative health solutions.
Marc's unique blend of medical training and business acumen positions him as a dynamic force within the team, dedicated to making a significant impact in the healthcare landscape through both clinical excellence and leadership in health-related initiatives.
Marc's unique blend of medical training and business acumen positions him as a dynamic force within the team, dedicated to making a significant impact in the healthcare landscape through both clinical excellence and leadership in health-related initiatives.
Rajeev Naidu
Ophthalmology Registrar
Dr Rajeev Naidu (Founder)
Rajeev Naidu is an ophthalmology registrar in the sydney eye network, leveraging his extensive background as an Optometrist from UNSW to enhance patient care. His leadership extends beyond clinical duties as he also serves as an Executive Board Member and the Founding President of Young Optometrist NSW/ACT.
Rajeev's dedication to the optometry field is evident through his active engagement in professional development and community service, aiming to elevate eye care standards and support the next generation of optometrists.
Rajeev's dedication to the optometry field is evident through his active engagement in professional development and community service, aiming to elevate eye care standards and support the next generation of optometrists.
THE CLINIC
Our mobile clinic is where our mission comes to life. We provide our services through our community partner's space and service the homeless and vulnerable population around these areas. We rotate through the community spaces, performing a monthly clinic in each space. Our clinic has a strict no turn away policy.THE PROCESS
- Registration
The patient undergoes registration and answers a research questionnaire. - Screening
Patient undergoes pre-test examination, including visual acuity, eye pressure testing and autorefraction. - Examination
Slit lamp examination for screening and formal refraction is performed. Information is documented in an industry standard practice management software for follow up. - Dispensing
Patient chooses their favourite frames and information on time and location to pick up spectacles is given.
© Copyright 2024 Eyes of Hope Ltd
Registered company limited by guarantee with ABN (13 674 992 388)