Karen Adele Curtis

• Care of patients undergoing Ophthalmic investigations. Conducting patient assessments and screening -Visual Acuity, Intra-Ocular pressure monitoring, measurement of central corneal thickness, Fluorescein Angiography, OCT, Retinal Photography and Visual Fields
• Preparation of patients undergoing intravitreal injections for wet ARMD and DMO
• Assisting and monitoring patients for surgical procedures and Laser.
• Assessment and documentation of patient's medical history, complaints and current symptoms.
• Patient and family education on diagnosis, treatment options and possible home care interventions ( healthy lifestyle changes, medication administration, post-op wound care and condition prevention strategies).
• Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
• Prioritizing workload and triaging urgent patients.

• Care of the patient undergoing Ophthalmic investigations /screening and procedures. (VA, IOP, OCT, HVF, Retinal Photography, IOLmaster and FluoresceneAngiogram).
• Assisted in Ophthalmic procedures – Intra-ocular injections and Ocular Plastic Surgery, Removal of sutures and wound-care.
• Triaging patient emergency calls.
• Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing investigations and assessments based on patients'' acuity levels, initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
• Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
• Evaluated patient medical histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
• Conveyed diagnosis and treatment information and home care techniques to patients and family members to continue care consistency.

Aassessment and care of patients requiring minor procedures, wound care, Health Assessments, ECG, Ear Syringing, Childhood Immunisations, Travel Vaccinations.

• Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care.
• The organisation and implementation of Chronic Disease Management clinics. Formulation of individualised care plans and referral to the multi-disciplinary team. Ongoing evaluation and review of care plans to improve patient health outcomes and long term health.
• Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
• Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
• Conducted immunisation clinics, contributing to improved community health outcomes through disease prevention efforts.

• The assessment and care for patients requiring minor procedures, wound care, 4 year old health checks, over 45 years and 75 years health assessments, ECG, Ear Syringing, Childhood immunisations, Travel vaccinations and Pre-employment Medicals (including Spirometry, Audiology and Muscular Skeletal assessment).
• The triage and treatment of emergency medical admissions to the surgery with effective handover to the treating GP or Paramedic.
• Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
• Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualised care.
• Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
• Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
• Formation and evaluation of incividualised Chronic Disease management care plans, along with referal to the Multi-disciplinary team.
• Increased patient engagement in their own healthcare by offering resources, information, and guidance on self-care techniques.
• Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.

The IPAC program developed communication and collaborative learning among health students at the University, while optimising chronic disease self-management for patients.

• Guide, support and teach students from the disciplines of Nursing, Para-medicine, Occupational Therapy, Diabetics, Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy, Clinical Psychology and Speech Pathology.
• To demonstrate and supervise students during accurate patient assessment and care planning.
• To demonstrate and encourage problem solving, communication and collaberation for positive outcomes for the patient.
• To evaluate care plan interventions with patients and students and modify where necessary.

• The care of patients undergoing ophthalmic surgical procedures, including assessment, planning and evaluation of patient care, along with scrubbing and circulating duties.
• Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving.
• Implemented infection control measures that significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with other professionals within the multi-disciplinary team.

• The pre and post operative care of patients undergoing Ophthalmic Surgery, such as Cataract, Glaucoma, Vitreo-retinal and Oculoplastic Surgery.
• Facilitated and organised patient admissions, preparation for theatre, discharge planning and patient post- education.
• Participation in Ocular-plastic clinics including pre-assessment for surgery, removal of sutures and wound care.
• The care of patients with Wet Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular oedema undergoing Intravitreal injections. Pre-injection visual acuity, administration and dispensing of prescribed drops and post injection checks.
• Demonstrated excellent time management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent teamwork and collaberation with the Multi-disciplinary team to enhance patient care and surgical outcomes.
• Effective patient and carer education relating to post-op medication regime and eye care advise.

• Planning, implementation and evaluation of care of patients undergoing surgical procedures and assisting surgeons in a ‘scrub’ and circulating capacity
• Extensive theatre experience in Ophthalmology, ENT, Dental, Gynaecology, Obstetrics, General surgery (including Laparoscopic surgery), Urology and Orthopaedics.
• Effective communication and collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team for the smooth running of surgical workload.
• Supported professional development of new team members and students by sharing best practices, encouraging ongoing learning, and offering support.