1. Is there a specific patient, mentor, or experience that shaped your path in this field?

I have been inspired by many patients, mentors and experiences. Today, when I perform my cataract surgery, I can still identify where each meticulous step owes its origin.

In times of surgical challenge, I call upon the words of my mentors and find comfort that I am not alone with my problems, that they have been seen and tackled before. On my first day of cataract surgery, I was invited to drape seven patients in a row. I remember phoning my mum with such pride at this. I performed my first full case 6 weeks later and I knew that cataract surgery would shape my future.

2. How do you balance clinical practice, research, and personal development?

With difficulty. I have many interests and ambitions. I tend to prioritise what I enjoy the most, since I am usually better at these tasks, and in turn they tend to energise me.

I also find collaboration to be a wonderful thing. A good team has a diverse group of people and skills, when combined and shared, I often find a natural synergy arises with a preference for different utility of skills.

I also recognise there is only finite time. I have learnt through having children, health and family concerns, that there will be times that I am less productive and to accept this. I try not to compare myself too often, there is an extraordinary amount of talent which exists in the ophthalmic sphere.

3. What advice would you give to medical students or young professionals considering a career in ophthalmology?

I had the privilege of teaching and mentoring medical students for years. What I continue to tell them, is that ophthalmology has a place for everyone.

There is such a range of opportunities should you embark on an ophthalmic career, whereby individuals can showcase their individual uniqueness and flourish.

Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchOPHTHALMOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Maubon. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.