Gender-Inclusive Eye Care - Short Course
Coming soon: Gender-Inclusive Eye Care Short Course
In response to feedback from the optometry community, the ACO is transforming the Gender-Inclusive Eye Care Symposium, originally planned as an in-person event on 15 June, into an accessible online short course. This new format will allow more optometrists, practice managers, dispensers and other eye care staff across Australia to engage with this important content at a time and pace that suits them.
This upcoming short course will support eye care professionals to deliver more inclusive, welcoming care. Drawing on insights from optometry, ophthalmology, general practice and nursing, the course will cover both clinical considerations and practical communication strategies when caring for LGBTQIA+ patients.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that 4.5% of Australians aged 16 and over identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or gender diverse, or intersex (LGBTQIA+), with this figure rising to 9.5% among people aged 16 to 24¹. Many in the LGBTQIA+ community continue to experience barriers to safe, inclusive health care, including in eye care settings.
Further details will be shared soon.
Introduction to gender diversity and respectful care: why it's important and simple ways to achieve it
Presented by Mark Thompson, Nurse Practitioner (he/him)
Accessing healthcare for Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) people can be a scary proposition, which all too often stems from previous discrimination in healthcare settings. In Australia a recent study of LGBTQIA+ people found that their gender identity in mainstream medical clinics was only respected around 37.7% of the time, and whether that was actual or perceived it does tell healthcare services that there is improvement needed. This education is an introduction to Gender Diversity and the ways in which you as healthcare workers can help Trans and Gender Diverse people feel welcome in your workplaces, as well as signposting to more opportunities to gain experience in the needs of the gender-diverse community.
Knowns and unknowns – a foundation for building grounded confidence in providing care for trans and gender diverse people
Presented by Dr. Michelle Dutton, General Practitioner (she/her)
Most healthcare providers describe feeling under confident or unprepared in caring for trans and gender diverse people. Trans people, and therefore their healthcare needs, have been marginalised throughout history. This has left big gaps in the research base, expert knowledge and healthcare curricula. This can result in healthcare providers feeling anxious and sometimes avoidant of providing care for trans people, which leaves trans people with limited options as to with whom they can safely seek care. Fortunately, the key to providing good healthcare for trans people isn’t about having all the answers, but about listening deeply, sitting with uncertainty, and being willing to learn more when required. This presentation is designed to be a starting point for that journey.
Advocacy for LGBTQIA+ eyecare: how optometrists can get involved
Presented by Alice McLennan, Manager Clinical Governance and Training at ACO Eye Health/ Chair of the ACO Rainbow Working Group (she/her)
Alice McLennan is an optometrist and the Manager Clinical Governance and Training at ACO Eye Health and chair of the ACO Rainbow Working group. Alice recognised the need for advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community and leadership in both the corporate and clinical organisation of the Australian College of Optometry. This presentation will discuss the importance of advocacy and support for gender diverse patients and staff members, and how awareness and education can be built upon collaboration and partnership at the clinical and organisational level.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension as an atypical presentation in gender-diverse community
Presented by Dr. Rogan Fraser, Ophthalmologist (he/him)
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is frequently associated with cis-female gender aged between 20-40 years of age. In recent years, there have been multiple case reports of IIH in the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in patients undertaking gender affirming medical therapy. This presentation will discuss IIH in detail, including current understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, and how some aspects of that may relate to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Rapid review: Eye health in the LGBTQIA+ community
Presented by Angela Hall, Policy Advisor at Vision2020 (she/her)
LGBTQIA+ eye health is an emerging field within eye health research. Vision 2020 Australia, as the national peak body for the eye health and vision care sector, will provide an overview of emerging research themes related to LGBTQIA+ eye health
An introduction to gender affirming speech therapy
Presented by Shevaun Pope, Speech Pathologist (she/her)
Communication across the gender spectrum has long been explored, though much of the focus remains on binary ideals of voice, especially within traditional speech therapy. While existing literature often highlights trans feminine voices, gender identity is diverse. Gender-affirming speech therapy supports individuals to align communication with their identity through a client-led, authentic approach. In this session, Shevaun will introduce gender-affirming care and explore how it supports self-expression and meaningful conversations around gender, including in the context of neurodiversity.
This event, previously taking place in-person, will now be delivered in an on-demand online format. More details to come.
