For experienced Australian optometrist Mr Bernard Brummage, it’s never too late for a change. Alongside his wife Sarah-Jane (SJ) and dog Rusty, earlier this year he packed up the life he knew in Western Australia and moved into a caravan to work for George & Matilda Eyecare (G&M) as one of three internal relief optometrists.
Referring to himself as an ‘almost-grey-nomad’, he travels around the country covering optometry annual leave and vacancies, providing eyecare to the communities G&M is located in.
G&M’s internal relief optometrists are guaranteed fulltime employment, with the opportunity to explore the country like a locum.
Brummage – the only one performing this work living out of a caravan while others fly in and out – provides a glimpse into his new life on the road, which has taken him 4,700km so far – and counting.
What made you decide to move into a caravan and travel Australia?
I can combine the sheer joy of travelling and seeing new and diverse places while providing optometry services to local communities, where I meet many individuals with interesting stories to tell. Additionally, I get to work with various teams within George & Matilda, where we can work together to meet the community’s needs.
I am free on the weekends to explore the surrounding areas with my wife and our dog, Rusty.
Being in a caravan allows more freedom to stop over at places on a whim combined with more time to enjoy the simple things in life; eating dinner at the dinner table, spending evenings close together without the chores that go with living in a regular 4×2 home.
What have you most enjoyed so far?
I enjoyed the challenging 3,800km drive across from Perth, seeing different and new landscapes, and navigating the nuances of living in a caravan as an inexperienced caravan owner. Being in the Albury-Wodonga area has been breathtaking, and it feels like we are staying in a different country.
I have also enjoyed spending quality time with my wife playing board games, and cards, and walking with our dog.
What have been the biggest challenges?
Night-time trips to the toilet when it is raining! Seriously, the biggest challenges have been facing the road trains on our trip to Albury-Wodonga and ensuring we get adequate exercise time.
Why would you recommend this way of life to other optometrists?
Not everyone will find this lifestyle suitable. However, it is likely to attract individuals who feel frustrated with the monotony of working as an optometrist in the same place and are seeking a more diverse and varied experience. While I understand the importance of maintaining continuity of care for patients, this lifestyle offers experienced optometrists the freedom to explore a wider range of relief work opportunities. By having the flexibility to spend two days a week outside the confines of a consultation room, optometrists can break free from the daily grind of optometry, which often involves facing challenges within the same windowless walls day in and day out.
What has your wife enjoyed the most so far?
SJ tells me she has enjoyed our focused time together. She also loves the scenery as she feels that some of the landscape of Albury-Wodonga and the surrounding areas reminds her of Scotland.
Your first appointment is with Peachey Optometry in Albury NSW | G&M Eyecare – what has been the highlight in Albury/Wodonga?
There have been a few highlights for me. Firstly, meeting wonderful individuals in the practice whose values align with my own and who get pleasure from providing exceptional eye care. I was also fascinated to learn that the establishing optometrist of this practice, Mr Graham Peachey, was instrumental in founding the Australian College of Behavioural Optometrists.
Another highlight has been meeting the residents of Albury-Wodonga and hearing their stories. For example, one gentleman shared with me that he came to the area as a young boy following World War II, as one of a third of a million immigrants from eastern Europe. He believes he is one of the last remaining people from that generation in Wodonga.
More reading
Why the George & Matilda Eyecare model works
Life as an early career optometrist at George & Matilda
Rolfe Optometry Group’s nine practices join George & Matilda
