A new Memorandum of Understanding between Vision Australia and Orthoptics Australia aims to improve the early detection and treatment of eye conditions through a range of education and collaborative research initiatives.
Under the agreement, Vision Australia will provide an education program to Orthoptics Australia’s members about the strategies and services that are available to support people who are blind or have low vision, to live the life they choose.
Members will then be encouraged to discuss Vision Australia’s services and provide their resource materials to eye health professionals and their patients, to ensure people who are experiencing vision loss are well supported.
Another key focus of the initiative involves educating people with hereditary eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration to advise their family members to have a check-up.
“Orthoptics Australia is the first organisation I have signed an MoU with and certainly the first peak body that is enthusiastic about working together to progress change that is beneficial to everyone.
“The MoU has some really good elements. There is a particularly strong desire to work together and a common enthusiasm to explore extensions to Vision Australia’s scope of practice for orthoptists, further enhancing the value of the profession,” Vision Australia, Chief Executive Officer, Ron Hooton said.
Other long-term benefits of the MOU include the opportunity for collaborative research projects between the two organisations and the placement of orthoptic students within Vision Australia.
“Being able to work with a leading blindness and low vision organisation on research projects will enhance the results of our member’s work and deliver better outcomes to people living with blindness and low vision,” Orthoptics Australia, President, Julie Hall said.
“It’s essential that future generations of orthoptists get quality hands-on placements where they can work with the people they will support throughout their careers. Being able to get this experience early on in their education will enable them to build the skills and understanding to best support people who are blind or have low vision.”