Dr Willie is currently studying to become an eye doctor so he can restore sight in his community.
Dr Willie Kalbule has always wanted to make a difference where the need is greatest.
Originally from Malakula, one of the islands of Vanuatu, Dr Willie grew up understanding the challenges families face when access to specialist health care is limited. Those early experiences led him to study medicine — and later, to specialise in eye care.
He is currently studying to become an eye doctor at the Pacific Eye Institute in Fiji. During a recent Mobile Eye Clinic outreach to Tavua, he took a major step forward in his studies by completing his 100th eye surgery – a yearly requirement for his Masters in Medicine programme.
“Because in Vanuatu, we only have one ophthalmologist so far. That’s one thing that changes my perspective a bit. We have a lot of patients who have eye problems, and we only have one eye doctor, and it’s not enough” he said.
Before local eye specialists were available, patients often had to be referred overseas.
“When we don’t have any ophthalmologists… we have to refer to Fiji. We have to refer to anywhere else, New Zealand, Australia.”
Training local eye doctors is one of the most sustainable ways to address avoidable vision loss in the Pacific. By building skills and expertise within countries like Vanuatu, communities can access care closer to home, without relying on overseas referrals.
In 2018, Dr Willie applied to specialise in ophthalmology. Around the same time, visiting teams from the Pacific Eye Institute in Fiji were supporting eye care services in Vanuatu. Through this work, Dr Willie met Dr Mundi Qoqonokana, an experienced eye doctor who would become a mentor. Dr Mundi introduced him to the work of The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, and encouraged him to apply for a scholarship.
With support from a Foundation scholarship, Dr Willie was able to complete his Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmology and is now studying towards his Masters in Medicine.
“This was a big opportunity,” he says. “Government scholarships don’t usually go that far. Without support, it would be very difficult.”
“All my siblings, they just drop off around grade 6, and they finish from there. I count it as a blessing that I can come this far, and even to be an eye doctor. I’m so thankful.”
He hopes his journey encourages others.
“It doesn’t mean that you have to come from a rich family to be a doctor, to change life. You can come from anywhere, so long as you have the determination and you have the right mind to do things, you can achieve anything.”
Dr Willie has now performed many cataract surgeries himself. He says the moment sight is restored never loses its meaning.
“They came in unable to see, they came in with people holding them inside the theatre. When you remove the bandages, you can see tears running down their face. They were able to see. I think it’s wonderful and it’s a fantastic experience.”
When he graduates with his Masters in Medicine in a few years, he will return to Vanuatu, to work alongside the local team and provide essential eye care in his community.
By investing in the training of local eye doctors like Dr Willie, we are helping to build strong, sustainable eye care services across the Pacific — ensuring more people can access the care they need, now and into the future.
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