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Orthoptics Awareness Week 2025: Spotlight on Kate and Khoa
To wrap up Orthoptics Awareness Week, we sat down with Guide Dogs Victoria’s Orthoptists, Kate and Khoa.
The 2025 theme, “I am an Orthoptist” encourages Orthoptists across Australia to share their stories, expertise and the meaningful impact of their work.
Kate and Khoa shared what inspired them to become Orthoptists, the unique role they play in supporting people with low vision or blindness, and what this year’s theme means to them.
“We have both worked in low vision for many years (decades) and enjoy the Client interactions and collaborative environment that we work in. Client-centered practice is what keeps us inspired.”
When asked to complete the sentence, “I am an Orthoptist because…”, their passion was clear:
“We get to work with Clients of all ages and find that providing Orthoptic services to people with low vision or blindness is exciting and extremely rewarding, in this ever-evolving field of Orthoptic practice. Increasing independence and quality of life for our Clients is at the forefront of every service we provide. We find this work professionally rewarding.”
Orthoptic work at Guide Dogs Victoria is anything but routine. Each day brings something new.
“Every person is different, their vision, their personality, lifestyle and low vision goals. Every day we meet new people and have the privilege and opportunity to contribute to their daily independence and quality of life.”
One of the standout aspects of working at Guide Dogs Victoria, they say, is the team approach.
“We enjoy working within a team of allied health professionals which allows us to be collaborative and holistic in Client care. Providing domiciliary services gives us an opportunity to best understand our Client’s needs. We are proud to be able to provide these services throughout Victoria, often travelling to regional areas.”
Kate and Khoa reflect proudly on the program they’ve built:
“We started at GDV seven and a half years ago together with a background in low vision services. GDV at the time did not have an Orthoptic service and we were very excited to be a part of this new chapter in service delivery. We feel now that we have built a high-quality service which is an essential part of the GDV team.
Kate and Khoa’s passion and dedication are a true reflection of the vital work Orthoptists play in supporting people who are blind or have low vision, live their lives with more independence
Thank you, and to all Orthoptists, for the life-changing work you do every day. Happy Orthoptics Awareness Week!
Orthoptists Kate and Khoa sitting on either side of a desktop Magnifier, smiling at the camera.
