If you’ve ever been referred to an eye specialist or taken part in a clinical study, chances are the first person who checked your eyes was an orthoptist.

An orthoptist is an eye care professional who specialises in diagnosing, managing and treating eye conditions. At CERA, orthoptists such as Senior Trial Coordinator Emily Caruso are also working to advance vision research.

What skills and qualities do orthoptists bring to clinical research?

Orthoptists provide wonderful patient care and have sound knowledge of eye heath and disease. We are experienced in vision testing and ophthalmic imaging. With such a strong foundation in eye care, orthoptists make a wonderful addition to a research team, where their skills play a highly important role.

How did you move from the clinic into vision research?

I actually worked with Professor Robyn Guymer AM in her private rooms for three years before I started at CERA. When she talked about her research, she was so passionate about finding treatments for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). That was definitely what made me want to work in vision research – and with her!

I wanted to work on research projects and trials looking at ways of helping people with vision impairment – or to prevent vision loss in the first place. My first role at CERA was as a coordinator of the LEAD project, a large international study led by CERA, working on the treatment of intermediate AMD with laser therapy.

What do you love most about your work?

I love a lot of things about my work, but the two that stand out the most are, firstly, working with the wonderful people who volunteer their time to help further our research.

They participate in research with the knowledge it may not impact them directly but knowing their contribution will help people in the future. When an appointment can go for two to three hours, multiple times a year, we can form great relationships with our participants.

Secondly, getting to work with brilliant people who have a common goal of saving sight and being at the forefront of new research developments.

What would you say to someone considering a similar career?

I have to admit, I’ve had wonderful jobs that really cemented the decision to pursue my career as an orthoptist.

The scope to move into a deeper research role, alternate research path or further study is also an option for orthoptists – and their skills and qualities from their orthoptics background can prepare them for these types of roles or career changes.