Opening Eyes Of Hope

Marc Eskander has worked as an Optometrist for 8 years and currently completing his medical training at Notre Dame University. His entrepreneurial spirit shines as the Managing Director/Owner of Walk Different, a venture that showcases his commitment to innovative health solutions.

Marc's unique blend of medical training and business acumen positions him as a dynamic force within the team, dedicated to making a significant impact in the healthcare landscape through both clinical excellence and leadership in health-related initiatives.

Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position.

I graduated high school unsure of my path, but I knew I loved studying the human body and helping people. A close friend suggested Optometry, and I began my studies in Melbourne. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to volunteer in Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines, where I saw how poverty and limited resources devastate eye health. Back home, a few friends and I recognised a gap in services for homeless and vulnerable communities—so we started Eyes of Hope.

What does this role mean to you?

This role means a lot. It’s a privilege to use my skills to improve lives, and it’s given me deep insight into the challenges vulnerable people face accessing healthcare. It’s shaped how I practice and strengthened my commitment to equity in healthcare.

Take us through a typical day of work for you.

Now I’m a full-time medical student, so my days are mostly spent in hospitals, while our not-for-profit work happens over Zoom, in cafes, or at clinics. My toughest challenge was moving to the country for my first graduate role—suddenly alone, seeing complex pathology, and figuring out how to go from student to real Optometrist. Great mentors got me through.

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career? 

If I could change anything, I’d get involved in charity work earlier.

How do you stay motivated to work in this field?

I stay motivated by the incredible people in our organisation and industry who inspire me daily.

How do you unwind after work?

Outside of work, I love the gym, running with friends, and lately, I’ve been binging Seinfeld for the first time, my regular weekly podcast is Hamish and Andy, and reading, well just my uni lectures.