Life in lockdown: Our volunteers

MDFA volunteers making the most of lockdown

COVID-19 has meant that our faithful volunteers have been working remotely during lockdown. Their time in isolation has been busy and meaningful.

We took this opportunity to catch up with a few of our colleagues to find out what they’ve been doing in isolation. 

Meet Nancy: Lockdown means time for gardening

What have you been doing to maintain physical health?

Lots of gardening and I’m on the treadmill for half and hour a day.

How have you been maintaining your eye health?

I’ve been eating my eye healthy diet and using dry eye drops if needed

What have you been doing to maintain a positive frame of mind?

I meditate for up to four hours each day. It keeps me centred. I’m also watch NCIS on television.

Have you learnt anything new while you’ve been in isolation?

I’ve been making sure to keep up to date with government regulations. I’ve also learnt how to grow coriander and bean sprouts from YouTube

What have you missed

I’ve missed catching up and working alongside with my MDFA family of volunteers.

Here’s Val: A valued volunteer staying busy in lockdown

What have you been doing to maintain physical health?

Eating healthy – lots of home-cooked meals and making sure not to have too much takeaway.

How have you been maintaining your eye health?

Of course I’ve been continuing IVI at four-weekly intervals. (Val has wet age-related macular degeneration and the intravitreal injections (IVI) are eye injections that have allowed her to maintain her sight.)

They have put in very strict protocols at clinics, ask lots of question and do a temperature check. Everything at the clinic is distanced – spaced out waiting room, less people to contact. The ophthalmologist stands far away when chatting.

What have you been doing to maintain a positive frame of mind?

I’ve been trying to stay busy and continue similar activities as before. My husband Doug and I do lots of word games – that’s when he’s not outside renovating the house and pool area. I also make sure to maintain contact with people I’ve not seen in a while by checking in on friends over the phone.

Have you learnt anything new while you’ve been in isolation?

How to shop online for groceries. It was very difficult at first, but now I’m used to it. You don’t have to go outside to shop for things all the time.

What have you missed?

People and seeing each other face to face.

Jim: Looking after his eye health in lockdown

What have you been doing to maintain physical health?

I’ve been doing something new every day. Currently, I’m restoring a bentwood chair.

How have you been maintaining your eye health?

As always, I use the Amsler grid on my fridge and check for changes in my vision after waking up. And of course, I’m eating large quantities of spinach every day and taking my AREDS supplements.

What have you been doing to maintain a positive frame of mind?

My lovely wife Mary and I have been listening to music, doing a lot of gardening, and we’ve had some lovely walks around the suburb. We’re also doing an online astronomy course with U3A Newcastle Uni. We answer

questionnaires at the end of each session. It’s been a great way to keep our minds active.

What have you missed while in isolation?

Taking my lovely girl Mary to morning tea at Impact nursery café.