A blog by Dr Ving Fai Chan, Senior Lecturer from the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences. 

Receiving the 'Making an Impact' Award at the 2022–23 Staff Excellence Awards was truly humbling and inspiring. Knowing that my work in empowering craftswomen in Zanzibar through improved eyesight was recognised at this level reinforced my belief in the power of community-centred, impactful projects. It was a moment of pride, and it encouraged me to continue working to make a difference in the lives of others, while also reminding me that each of us has the potential to drive change.

The project in Zanzibar aimed to empower craftswomen by addressing a crucial yet often overlooked aspect: vision health. Many of these women rely on their crafts for their livelihood, yet struggle with uncorrected vision issues, which impact their work, income, and independence.  Through screenings, the provision of reading glasses, and educational sessions, we helped enhance not only their productivity but also their confidence and social well-being. The project went beyond healthcare to make a meaningful social and economic impact, offering these women a renewed sense of agency.

Every day at Queen’s, I am committed to integrity in my work, ensuring that my projects are designed and executed with the utmost transparency and respect for the communities involved. I prioritise excellence by aiming for impactful, research-driven outcomes that make a genuine difference.

Collaboration is at the heart of all my initiatives; I work closely with colleagues, students, and community partners, valuing each perspective to create holistic, sustainable solutions.

Lastly, I am deeply driven by a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that our programmes respect cultural differences and prioritise the needs of marginalised groups.

As we approach this year’s Staff Excellence Awards, I want to take a moment to encourage all staff and students to think about those who inspire you—whose work has touched lives or who have gone the extra mile for students, colleagues, or communities. I encourage you to nominate them.

Recognising others is not just about celebrating achievements; it’s about acknowledging the values that define our university. A nomination is a way to show appreciation, highlight the diverse contributions around us, and inspire others to continue making a difference.

So, take a moment to think about those whose dedication deserves to be celebrated—your nomination could be the encouragement they need to keep going.

 

Dr Ving Fai Chan

School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences