From Left: Adam Garcia, Kieu Chinh, Nia Rush, Tsu Shan Chambers, Eduardo Ávila Sánchez.

A new Australian feature film that underscores the power of preventative eye care, and highlights the resilience and capabilities of those living with disability, is set to be released for community screenings.

My Eyes was written by Australian optometrist Tsu Shan Chambers and draws on her experience as a volunteer for the vision impaired judo athletes at the Sydney Paralympic Games. She also plays a leading role.

The film features an original track by Australian singer-songwriter Dami Im, a Compassion Australia Ambassador known for finishing second overall at Eurovision 2016 and winning The X Factor Australian series in 2013.

In the film, an optometrist named Alana (played by Ms Chambers) faces every mother’s nightmare when she discovers her daughter has a rare inherited eye disease.

Ms Chambers said this storyline is “deeply personal” for her, having grown up with multiple cultural influences, trained as an optometrist, and experienced close connections with people affected by vision loss.

“It’s a story I’ve wanted to share for years, and I’m overjoyed to finally bring it to audiences in a way that sparks empathy and positive change.”

The film also spotlights disability in a way rarely seen on Australian screens, thanks in large part to cast member Eduardo Ávila Sánchez, a Paralympic Judo champion living with vision impairment.

His on-screen portrayal underscores the importance of inclusivity, reminding audiences – and especially those in the vision care community – that life with a disability is not solely about obstacles, but also triumphs and untapped potential.

As someone who understands life with a disability, Mr Ávila Sánchez said he hopes My Eyes encourages everyone to look past labels and assumptions.

“This film is about celebrating our abilities, our families, and our determination to make every moment count,” he said.

CATALYST FOR ADVOCACY

Beyond telling a heartfelt story, Ms Chambers said My Eyes is designed to be a catalyst for grassroots advocacy and education.

The film’s release through FanForce offers a unique rollout strategy, enabling eye care, health workers, and pro-inclusion groups anywhere in the world to host community screenings. By leveraging FanForce’s platform, practices, clinics, and professional networks can bring the film to local cinemas – whether in a small town or a major city – and invite their communities for a thought-provoking event.

“I want eye care professionals and inclusion activists to feel empowered to use My Eyes as a conversation starter,” Ms Chamber explained. “It’s an opportunity for practitioners to gather colleagues, patients, and the wider public to talk about prevention, early detection, the broader social dimension of vision health and inclusion.”

Ultimately, she hopes My Eyes will not only touch hearts but also promote open dialogue and real-world impact. “Sometimes eye care can seem like a technical or niche topic, and that creates barriers to engagement. This film sets out to change that – for our industry and the people we serve,” she said.

To find out more or arrange a screening, visit: fan-force.com/films/my-eyes.