The future of support for people with macular disease – evaluation findings on the Eye Connect service
| Sunday, November 3, 2024 |
| 1:55 PM - 2:05 PM |
| Panorama Rooms 2 & 3 |
Overview
Dr Kathy Chapman
Speaker
Dr Kathy Chapman
Macular Disease Foundation Australia
The future of support for people with macular disease – evaluation findings on the Eye Connect service
Abstract
There are 1.5 million Australians living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness and irreversible vision loss in the country. Macular Disease Foundation Australia has developed and implemented a new evidence-based patient service, Eye Connect, to support people at all stages of AMD, from early through to neovascular and geographic atrophy.
Eye Connect has been co-designed with people with lived experience and eye health professionals. The service complements the clinical advice provided by eye health professionals including orthoptists. Eye Connect is designed to provide patients with personalised guidance and tailored support based on their stage of AMD, vision status and emotional wellbeing state. Information and support is provided over an extended period, equipping people with the necessary resources and knowledge required to proactively manage their condition and enhance their quality of life.
An evaluation has been embedded into Eye Connect to assess whether it is providing the right service, delivered at the right time, to the right groups of people. The evaluation is using qualitative and quantitative methods to record and measure how Eye Connect positively impacts participants and any adaptations which could further strengthen the service.
As integral members of the eye care team for people with AMD, engaging orthoptists in the Eye Connect service is paramount to achieving comprehensive and effective support for individuals with AMD. This presentation will outline the results of the evaluation and the opportunity for orthoptists to make a significant impact on their patients' quality of life.
Eye Connect has been co-designed with people with lived experience and eye health professionals. The service complements the clinical advice provided by eye health professionals including orthoptists. Eye Connect is designed to provide patients with personalised guidance and tailored support based on their stage of AMD, vision status and emotional wellbeing state. Information and support is provided over an extended period, equipping people with the necessary resources and knowledge required to proactively manage their condition and enhance their quality of life.
An evaluation has been embedded into Eye Connect to assess whether it is providing the right service, delivered at the right time, to the right groups of people. The evaluation is using qualitative and quantitative methods to record and measure how Eye Connect positively impacts participants and any adaptations which could further strengthen the service.
As integral members of the eye care team for people with AMD, engaging orthoptists in the Eye Connect service is paramount to achieving comprehensive and effective support for individuals with AMD. This presentation will outline the results of the evaluation and the opportunity for orthoptists to make a significant impact on their patients' quality of life.
Biography
Dr Kathy Chapman is the CEO of Macular Disease Foundation Australia, which focuses on the largest cause of blindness in Australians. Macular Disease Foundation works to reduce the impact of macular disease through (i) support and information services for people living with macular disease; (ii) advocacy; (iii) research and (iv) community awareness and early detection.
Kathy has extensive experience as a respected senior leader and CEO in the for-purpose sector, including public health and promoting inclusion for people with disabilities. Kathy’s executive career has traversed key organisations such the Heart Foundation, Down Syndrome NSW, Cancer Council NSW, and the NSW Council of Social Services. Kathy has a research PhD in public health.
