A Notre Dame University medical student is helping restore vision and dignity to people experiencing homelessness across Sydney by providing free and accessible eye care through his mobile eye clinic, Eyes of Hope.
An optometrist with eight years of clinical experience before starting his medical studies, Marc Eskander leads a team providing free eye checks and prescription glasses to people in central Sydney facing homelessness and hardship.
With more than 35,000 people experiencing homelessness in New South Wales, the initiative is bridging a critical gap in frontline healthcare access.
Mr Eskander’s passion for healthcare equity began early in his career. After studying optometry in Melbourne, he volunteered in Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines, witnessing firsthand how poverty and limited resources can impact eye health.
Inspired to create change at home, he co-founded Eyes of Hope with fellow clinicians and friends, Shenouda Girgis and Rajeev Naidu, bringing high-quality eye care directly to people who are often unable to access traditional services.
Mr Eskander feels privileged to use his skills to improve someone’s quality of life.
“Eye health is often overlooked, particularly when someone is doing it tough, but improving their vision can often help someone return to work, regain independence or simply reconnect with their community,” he said.
The mobile clinic now operates regularly across three inner-city Sydney sites: St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army Foster House and Kirketon Road Centre in Kings Cross; with a fourth to soon launch at the St Vincent’s Hospital Homelessness Centre.
Mr Eskander chose to pursue his studies at Notre Dame due to the university’s Catholic values, small class sizes and strong focus on community — principles that align with his mission to serve those most in need.
Now a full‑time medical student, Mr Eskander continues to drive the not-for-profit’s strategic direction alongside his studies.
Despite the demands of study, charity work and leadership, he remains motivated by those around him.
“This role means a lot to me,” he said. “It has given me deep insight into the challenges vulnerable people face accessing health care and inspires me to keep going.”
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Notre Dame Medical student delivers mobile eye care to Sydney’s vulnerable communities (UNDA)
