Antonio Taufaeteau is studying at the Pacific Eye Institute in Suva, the only island-based eyecare training facility in the region, so he can return to Tonga and relieve some of the burden on the local specialist.
The Vava'u native said his ultimate goal would be to return to his island and serve the 11,000 people that live there.
The country's sole ophthalmologist is based on the main island of Tongatapu.
Dr Taufaeteau said people on Vava'u and other outer islands have had to wait months for eye treatment in the past.
