In Their Words: Why we volunteer to facilitate our local Glaucoma Group
An interview with volunteer facilitators Jas Walia and Hazel Wong
How did you become a glaucoma group facilitator?
Hazel: I saw a general call-out through an email. After a few messages back and forth, I thought—heck, why not? I put my hand up.
Jas: For me, it was about wanting to give back. I was already involved in a Sikh community lunch service, but I felt drawn to doing something more personal. I love connecting with people, and these meetings really ground me.
If you were to describe the impact meetings have on patients, what three words would you use?
Hazel: Reassurance.
Jas: Comfort.
Hazel: And support. We often see friendships forming, and the sense of connection is huge. Many feel excited just to meet other people living with glaucoma.
Who comes to the meetings?
Jas: It’s a real mix. We’ve had people from all over Auckland—West, North Shore, Botany. But since COVID and moving to a more central venue, we’re getting more regulars.
Hazel: Smaller towns like Hawke’s Bay or Taupō sometimes get more people turning up. It might be easier to connect in those communities.
Jas: Often it’s the highly engaged patients who come—people already trying to manage their glaucoma well. The ones who might need it most are often missing, and we suspect transport is a big barrier.
What do you all speak about each meeting?
Hazel: It’s very informal.
Jas: Yes, we’re not there to diagnose or treat, but we help people feel equipped. They talk about upcoming appointments, side effects from drops, or just how to store and apply them. Sometimes they don’t even know what kind of glaucoma they have, but they want to.
Hazel: We give them tips on what questions to ask their ophthalmologist. It’s about being heard.
When do you fit this task into a busy professional life?
Hazel: It’s around two hours a month.
Jas: We just make it work. Having two facilitators helps so much. If one of us can’t make it, the other steps in—no guilt.
Hazel: Because it’s low-pressure and not overly formal, it’s actually something we both look forward to.
Where do you meet your group?
Jas: In central Auckland (Epsom) now, which helps with attendance. But we’re also discussing ways to reach people who can’t physically come—maybe with livestreams or mailing lists.
Hazel: There’s potential for technology, though not everyone is comfortable with it. For now, we’re also thinking about things like taxi vouchers to remove transport barriers.
Why do you do it—what keeps you coming back?
Hazel: It’s so rewarding. Even if you’ve had a long day and don’t feel like going, you always feel better afterwards.
Jas: 100%. The impact is real. It’s not just what the group gets out of it—we learn too. There’s this mutual enrichment that happens when people feel safe and supported.
Hazel: It’s not about obligation. The door’s always open. People come when they can, and that’s enough.
Want to start a group in your area or attend an existing one? Get in touch with Glaucoma NZ to find out more.