Innovating an orthoptic low vision tele-practice service for regional and remote NSW
| Sunday, November 3, 2024 |
| 10:40 AM - 10:50 AM |
| Panorama Rooms 2 & 3 |
Overview
Carmel Harris and Nadine McArthur
Speaker
Mrs Carmel Harris
Low Vision Plus/Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
Innovating an orthoptic low vision tele-practice service for regional and remote NSW
Abstract
Clients in isolated remote and regional areas of NSW face significant challenges in accessing timely Low Vision Services, often needing to travel long distances. This abstract explores the benefits of an innovative tele-practice model designed to help clients achieve their vision goals and reduce waittimes. The tele-practice model involves a Tele-practice Assistant who helps clients connect with an Orthoptist. The service includes assessment, demonstration, and trial of low vision aids, followed by further support and training on using the recommended devices.
This model allows clients in remote and regional NSW to receive services primarily from their homes, ensuring timely recommendations and equipment provision. This innovative service delivery method is crucial for achieving positive outcomes, as it helps clients improve their functional vision. Clinical input from primary health care professionals is essential for understanding the clients’ vision conditions and prognoses, ensuring optimal results.
Case studies highlight the successful connection of regional and remote clients to Orthoptic Low Vision Services through Tele-practice Assistants. The ongoing role of these assistants is vital, especially in areas with shortages of qualified Orthoptists. The objective is to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of delivering Orthoptic Low Vision services via tele-practice. This approach provides clients in remote areas with access to low vision assessments, equipment trials, and ongoing support and training to meet their individual needs.
Overall, the low vision tele-practice model demonstrates excellent goal achievement for clients in remote and regional NSW, providing a timely, cost-effective solution to deliver essential services and improve clients' vision outcomes.
This model allows clients in remote and regional NSW to receive services primarily from their homes, ensuring timely recommendations and equipment provision. This innovative service delivery method is crucial for achieving positive outcomes, as it helps clients improve their functional vision. Clinical input from primary health care professionals is essential for understanding the clients’ vision conditions and prognoses, ensuring optimal results.
Case studies highlight the successful connection of regional and remote clients to Orthoptic Low Vision Services through Tele-practice Assistants. The ongoing role of these assistants is vital, especially in areas with shortages of qualified Orthoptists. The objective is to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of delivering Orthoptic Low Vision services via tele-practice. This approach provides clients in remote areas with access to low vision assessments, equipment trials, and ongoing support and training to meet their individual needs.
Overall, the low vision tele-practice model demonstrates excellent goal achievement for clients in remote and regional NSW, providing a timely, cost-effective solution to deliver essential services and improve clients' vision outcomes.
Biography
Carmel Harris has been working with clients with vision loss for over 30 years. She is passionate about providing tailor made service delivery to clients to assist them to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Telepractice service delivery has enabled clients in remote areas of NSW to access the required equipment to suit their needs, increase their independence and engage in everyday tasks.
Mrs Nadine McArthur
SeeWay
Innovating an orthoptic low vision tele-practice service for regional and remote NSW
Biography
Nadine is a Sydney-trained Orthoptist. Following graduation, she commenced full-time work in the mid ‘90s at the Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (now Next Sense). Here she developed a passion for low vision and bringing eye health knowledge to the public in general. Over her career she has worked for medical device companies, launching new technologies for eye care to the ANZ market for both consumers and eye care professionals. Additionally, she has led professional affairs optometry teams, marketing teams and oversaw the development and delivery of education / cpd events across the eye care industry.
Nadine holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Orthoptics), Bachelor of Business (Marketing) Graduate Diploma in Science and is due to complete her Masters in Public Health this semester.
In 2023, Nadine joined the client services team at Guide Dogs, re-connecting with her passion for low vision and more recently took on the role of Marketing Manager at Guide Dogs, to support the expansion of reach of low vision services to people who are newly diagnosed with permanent loss of sight, in the early to moderate category. Nadine has a keen interest in public health and the provision of high-quality services for people with low vision.
