Supporting Patients from within Glaucoma Australia

My first encounter with the field of orthoptics was when my father was diagnosed with traumatic glaucoma. His condition had developed from a ‘slingshot’ accident years earlier during his childhood. Sitting in on his ophthalmic consultations, I was struck by the wealth of knowledge possessed by the orthoptist who pre-assessed him. I never imagined that one day I would be that person, helping others in the same way.

The role and expertise of an orthoptist is integral to eye health. Orthoptists are often the first point of contact for patients before seeing an ophthalmologist for treatment and management. They conduct preliminary tests, gather crucial information about the condition, and help reassure patients, making them feel confident in the care they will receive. This initial interaction is essential for easing anxiety and ensuring that the patient feels confident in the management plan provided by their specialist.

I began volunteering at Glaucoma Australia during my first year of the Master of Orthoptics programme. As a volunteer Orthoptist Patient Educator, my role involved conducting 10–20 patient support calls monthly, as part of the Sightwise programme.

Through these calls, I gained insight into the concerns of patients, which often focussed on aetiology and treatment options. Other common questions surrounded lifestyle habits, supplements, and genetic testing. Some patients simply wanted someone they could trust to listen and provide reassurance.

Bridging the Gap with Personalised Support

My work at Glaucoma Australia broadened when I was offered a job as a part-time Orthoptist Patient Educator after completing my master’s degree. This position allowed me to reduce my full-time role in private practice and focus on providing patient education. It offered me a fresh perspective on patient care, as private practice often leaves little time to address each patient’s individual needs in depth. As an educator, I have been able to bridge the gap, providing the time and attention that patients often need to understand their condition and treatment options.

As a newer orthoptist in the field, I quickly recognised the importance of delivering personalised support to every patient. While our approach to glaucoma treatment is standardised – typically involving drops, laser, or surgery – it is crucial to remember that every patient’s journey is unique. For instance, some patients may experience severe discomfort from their drops, while others may not have any issues. It is important to tailor treatments to each patient’s specific needs, and sometimes that means exploring alternative options like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to help alleviate side effects and symptoms associated with drops. Patients are often hesitant to mention their poor compliance due to side effects, or to seek alternatives from their specialist. This is where my role as an Orthoptist Patient Educator is key: I encourage my patients to openly discuss their concerns with their specialist, ensuring their treatment plan is adjusted to meet their specific needs.

Prioritising Listening

Australia has an ageing population,¹ which is leading to an increase in the prevalence of ocular diseases like glaucoma.² As patient numbers rise, the demand on healthcare grows, often leading to busy practices where personalised care can be overlooked. While we strive to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs, it is also essential to ensure that every patient has access to an eye specialist in spite of the growing demand for healthcare. One challenge I have observed is that patients sometimes feel their physical and mental needs are not fully addressed. When patients feel that their health professionals are dedicated to their overall wellbeing, it fosters a deeper sense of trust and reassurance. At Glaucoma Australia, we prioritise listening to patients’ concerns, ensuring they feel heard and supported – a challenge that may not always be achieved in a busy practice.

The opportunities to make a difference in health care at Glaucoma Australia are vast. With the addition of our two senior orthoptist patient educators, Natasha Sikman and Valerie Tosswill who joined in 2024, we are equipped to plan for the future of our organisation and improve patient care. Our goals for the upcoming year include expanding our support groups and creating better awareness of our Sightwise patient support programme. We envision a future where our glaucoma community feels supported and well informed, and where every patient receives the essential treatment and management they need for their glaucoma.

Loreto Obias is a dedicated orthoptist with a passion for patient care and education. She completed her Masters of Orthoptics in 2021 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Science.

References

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Older Australians (webpage, last updated 2 July 2024) available at: aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australians/contents/demographic-profile 

2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Eye health (webpage, last updated 11 February 2021) available at: aihw.gov.au/reports/eye-health/eye-health/contents/new