For this article, we had the pleasure of interviewing optometrist Tsu Shan Chambers, who is also an actor, writer,  and producer. Her new film, MY EYES, is an amalgamation of her love for optometry and film, and will be premiering on Wednesday, the 28th of May. Here's everything about her new film and how she got started in the film industry.

Hi Tsu Shan, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm an Optometrist turned Actor/Writer/Producer. I graduated Optometry from UNSW back in 2001! From there, I went onto complete a Master in Public Health and a Graduate of University Learning and Teaching before working in the entertainment industry. Regardless of the work I do, my core purpose is to make a positive difference, one life at a time. I am passionate about bringing awareness to issues that matter through telling provoking stories.

What made you want to study optometry/be an optometrist?

I was that 'cliche' - after high school, I got into Medicine and also full-time musical theatre. But having conservative Asian parents, I wasn't allowed to pursue the arts. I wasn't keen on become a doctor either but knew I wanted to help people. I thought, if I have to look at any part of the body for the whole day, where would I look? The eyes of course! They are the windows to the soul. Even on the big screen, it's all about the eyes when you look at the actors' faces. So, Optometry it was.

We are so excited to hear of your new project outside the clinic room, MY EYES. Can you tell us more about this project? 

MY EYES is having its premiere screenings across Australia and the U.S. from the 28th May. https://fan-force.com/myeyes/.

It was inspired by true events of my life when I volunteered at the Paralympic Games and fell in love with a vision impaired judo athlete! MY EYES is a beautiful film shot across Australia and Mexico - a moving journey about love, resilience, and the lengths we go to for family.

It also raises awareness about preventative eye care and inclusion.

Our screenings are fully accessible, including for the vision impaired. The film features an incredible cast including Adam Garcia (Coyote Ugly), Tsu Shan Chambers (Suka), Eduardo Ávila Sánchez (Mexican Paralympic Judo Champion), and Kieu Chinh (The Joy Luck Club). Asian Pop idol, Dami Im, wrote and performed the theme song for the film.

MY EYES had its World Premiere at the prestigious 39th Mar del Plata International Film Festival in Argentina, was picked to represent Australia at the 69th Asia Pacific Film Festival in Macau in March and recently had its Australian premiere to a full-house at the AACTA qualifying Gold Coast Film Festival.

A portion of every ticket sold for MY EYES will be distributed evenly among a group of non-for-profit organizations dedicated to eye care and blind sports. Here is the trailer.

As an independent film, we need all the help we can get to spread the word. Would love to see you all in the crowd!

How did you get involved with the film industry?

It was always something I wanted to do. But it wasn't until my third child was 1 years old, that I auditioned for NIDA and got in. The rest, as they say, is history.

Tell us about your typical day or week? What do you find are the most challenging aspects and most rewarding?

Every day and week for me is a bit 'unconventional' - I really don't know what to expect sometimes in the entertainment industry, particularly as I work as an Actor, Screenwriter and Screen Producer now. The challenge is to continue to be resilient, remind yourself about self-care in quite a demanding industry and find your tribe. The most rewarding is when someone from the general public tells me out of the blue that one of my films had a profound impact on them in a positive way. That is when I remind myself that all the blood, sweat and tears to get a project greenlit, is worth it.

How do you balance between optometry and making films?

Right now, I'm only on the books as a relief optometrist and fill in at the last minute when I have the time. I also assist the Council of Optometry NSW with their panel/hearings. The rest of the time, I'm working in the entertainment industry wearing my multiple hats (and doing CPD in between)! It is always a juggle, particularly as I have three children and the hours can be very long. I'd rather do something that gives me purpose and makes me feel alive, any time of the day.

Do you have any advice for young optometrists out there who would like to pursue their passion but haven’t quite gotten started?

It's never a good time. Sometimes, you've just got to have faith, find your right support network and dive in head first. The journey and learnings along the way are always worth it if you follow your heart.

Where can we find more information about you? 

 http://www.imdb.me/tsushan.chambers

https://www.instagram.com/tsushanchambers/

Thank you Tsu Chan for such an interesting interview. If you're interested in attending screenings of MY EYES, you can find more information here!