Recently Glaucoma NZ caught up with one of its wonderful Glaucoma Group volunteers, Optometrist Alex, to get an inside look at the group and what it takes to be a facilitator as a busy health professional.
How did you come to be a glaucoma group facilitator?
When Glaucoma NZ were first starting up support groups, emails were sent out to everyone on the database, and I expressed interest.
If you were to describe the impact meetings have on patients. What three words would you use?
Companions, Social and Grateful.
They are not alone on their journey and usually someone in the group can relate to what they are currently concerned about and share what their own outcome or resolution was. Our group are mostly retired and appreciate organised social outings. And they really appreciate that someone would give up their time to come to the meetings, that someone cares.
Who comes to the meetings?
Mostly those with glaucoma… one comes with a support person as she has low vision. We did have a parent of a child with glaucoma too.
What do you all speak about each meeting?
General catch up especially if someone has been on a trip or had people visiting. We talk about any issues that people have had with their drops, appointments, or new developments. Also any new concerns people have or if they have heard of something new that they want to share that knowledge with the group.
When do you fit this task into a busy professional life?
For me having it pre-booked (the same day of the month) is easy to remember and to not double book myself. I don’t work that day, and the meeting is only about an hour. Generally everyone is pretty good at watching the time.
Originally, I was one of two facilitators but my co-facilitator left the region and I had to step up. It was really nice when there were two of us because if for some reason you couldn’t make a meeting, everything still went smoothly. It also meant more flexibility for when we could have the meetings (i.e. on a different day of the week too) as we had different schedules.
Where do you meet your group?
Just at a local cafe, everyone arrives and orders their own drink and we just grab whatever table is available.
Why do you do it (what keeps you coming back)?
The connection with people. They appreciate the safe place. They share what they are going through, with people who understand the challenges they are facing. It feels good to help, offer friendship or even just explain certain things, or help them understand something they have been told.
Learn more about Glaucoma Groups around New Zealand here. Or contact Jenna at info@glaucoma.org.nz or on 0800 452 826 to show interest in being a facilitator.
Image credit: Getty Images/rumboalla