Have you ever felt a deep calling to make a difference in the lives of others but weren’t sure how to channel it? A few years ago, I found myself in optometry, driven by a desire to help people improve their vision. But as I progressed in my bachelor’s program, I realized my true passion lay in creating broader change in healthcare.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in healthcare—my father is a dentist, and many relatives are optometrists or opticians—I initially believed following this path was my way of making an impact. I pursued a Bachelor’s in Clinical Optometry from Manipal University, where conducting eye-care camps for underserved communities during my final year ignited my interest in addressing systemic healthcare challenges. While optometry allowed me to improve individual lives, I wanted to tackle issues affecting entire populations.
This realization led me to an internship with AIESEC Indonesia, where I spent six transformative weeks with young people passionate about public health. We organized community health check-ups, educated the public in Jakarta about cardiovascular diseases, and taught school children about health and nutrition. Watching children eagerly share their new knowledge with their parents was incredibly rewarding and further fuelled my desire to pursue public health.
Inspired by this experience, I pursued a Master of Public Health from the University of Western Australia, gaining a strong foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, qualitative research methods, health economics, and health promotion. The COVID-19 pandemic solidified my commitment to public health, leading me to volunteer with Down Syndrome Western Australia and intern with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. These roles deepened my understanding of how strategic planning and research drive meaningful, lasting change.
Balancing my studies with work in an optical store kept me connected to my optometry roots and provided invaluable insights into healthcare delivery and patient engagement. This experience reinforced the importance of communication, collaboration, and adaptability—skills crucial in both optometry and public health.
Upon completing my master’s, I returned to India due to unforeseen personal circumstances. Fortunately, I secured an internship with PATH, an international NGO, where I worked on projects aimed at strengthening health systems in charitable hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. I also briefly worked as a Communication and Social Media Consultant for the Optometry Council of India (now the Optometry Confederation of India). These roles enhanced my understanding of how strategic planning, research, project management, and communication drive impactful change in public health.
Transitioning from a clinical focus to a broader public health perspective was challenging, especially navigating the competitive job market in India, where experience and specific qualifications are highly valued. However, these challenges taught me resilience and the importance of continuous learning, motivating me to pursue further education in healthcare management and earn professional certificates in Project Management and Good Clinical Practice.
As I continue my journey, my focus remains firmly on public health. I am excited about the possibilities ahead and am committed to making a positive impact in the communities I serve. I am eager to leverage my expertise in public health and optometry, alongside my skills in research, communication, and strategic planning, to drive meaningful change.
If you have insights, opportunities, or advice in global health strategy or healthcare systems, I would love to connect and hear from you. Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into the public health professional I am today. My path hasn’t always been straightforward, but it has been driven by purpose—to contribute to the health and well-being of others.
For anyone considering a career in public health, I encourage you to follow your passion, embrace the challenges, and never stop learning.
