Monday, November 9, 2026

9:15 AM - 9:30 AM

Ballroom 1 and 2

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Overview

Lauren Mulquiney

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Details

Orthoptists have traditionally worked within clinical environments, applying their expertise in ocular assessment, investigation, patient communication and multidisciplinary care. However, evolving models of healthcare are creating opportunities for orthoptists to apply these skills beyond the traditional clinical setting. This presentation explores my transition from more than a decade of clinical orthoptic practice across ophthalmology settings to a virtual patient education and support role with Glaucoma Australia. Working predominantly through telephone and digital communication, my role involves supporting people living with glaucoma, providing disease and treatment education, addressing patient concerns, promoting engagement with care and identifying when referrals to additional support services may be required. The transition has demonstrated the adaptability of the orthoptic skill set and highlighted opportunities for orthoptists to contribute to emerging models of patient-centred care. Clinical knowledge and reasoning remain fundamental, while communication, active listening, health literacy and patient education have become increasingly important when interactions occur without face-to-face contact. The role has also provided insight into the challenges of maintaining meaningful patient connections and appropriate clinical boundaries in a virtual environment. Using personal experience as a case study, this presentation will explore the skills that transfer from clinical orthoptic practice to virtual patient support, the opportunities and challenges associated with remote patient education, and the potential for emerging career pathways for orthoptists beyond conventional clinical roles. The presentation aims to broaden perceptions of orthoptic practice and encourage consideration of how orthoptic expertise can contribute to evolving models of healthcare and patient care.

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Speaker