Catherine Mancuso is our Manager of Diagnostic Eye Services, providing support to orthoptists and medical photographers across Specialist Clinic services at the hospital.
Originally trained as an orthoptist, Catherine’s journey at the Eye and Ear began in early 2008, having previously undertaken clinical placements as a student at the hospital 12 years earlier. Catherine has also been heavily involved in Orthoptics Australia, an organisation dedicated to supporting orthoptists to provide excellence and equity in eye health care.
For International Women’s Day, we spoke with Catherine about her career and her advice for future generations.
What inspired you to become to be an orthoptist?
I always wanted to do something in health – my mother was a midwife and I loved hearing stories from her work. When I was choosing my university preferences, Orthoptics was actually my third choice. From day one of the course, I knew it was for me!
What is your advice to young women pursuing a career in orthoptics?
Orthoptics is a great profession – there are so many opportunities within Orthoptics to explore subspecialties and various settings. The common skill amongst orthoptists (and indeed all health care professionals) is care. This is particularly evident, I feel, in my team who care deeply about the outcomes for their patients.
How do you encourage the next generation of orthoptists?
I am proud that the Eye and Ear is the biggest provider of public clinical placement positions for student orthoptists in the country. This hospital is an ideal training ground for the next generation of orthoptists. There are so many skills which are taught by my team to our students, and I hope that it gives them a glimpse into what they can do in their career as an orthoptist.
I see many emerging leaders from amongst my team in Diagnostic Eye Services. I try to encourage them to take on new opportunities and new challenges. Being a female dominated workforce has its challenges around managing maternity leave and then subsequent reduction of working hours while women raise their young families. I am pleased that there are many more flexible options to support women in the workforce who choose to have a family. Having parents in my team brings a whole other set of skills which can’t be taught.
How important is the messaging for year’s IWD theme ‘March Forward: For all women and girls’?
I was the only girl growing up with two brothers. My parents ensured that all of their children had the same opportunities regardless of gender. I think that it is so important for women and girls to hear this message and understand what it means. Many things have changed over the years to “level the playing field” however, it is important to continue the progress to ensure the next generation of women can benefit, as we have done due to the work from previous generations of women.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
I’m fortunate to have many proud moments in my career to date.
At the Eye and Ear there have been many challenges and proud moments, in particular:
- Representing the Eye and Ear at several conferences at the World Association of Eye Hospitals including travelling to Madurai, India in 2014
- Leading the Orthoptic Led Post Op clinic changes helping to improve patient flow and care
- Progressing Advanced Practice in Orthoptics, a program upskilling orthoptists improving efficiency
- Representing the wider Eye and Ear Allied Health team at the state level
- Leading my team through our hospital redevelopment and some very challenging times during COVID
As part of Orthoptics Australia I have:
- Been awarded the Zoran Georgievski medal (2018)
- Delivered the Patricia Lance Lecture (2022)
- Served on the Victorian Branch State Committee
- Served as President and Vice President of Vic Branch
- Organised many July Scientific Meetings
- Served on National Council
- Served as a Board Director
- Served as Vice President of the Orthoptics Australia Board
How have the women in your life help shape your career?
I have been surrounded by many inspiring women in my life.
My Mum had many careers, starting as a pathology lab tech before studying nursing and then becoming a midwife. She took a break to have kids and then went back to work when I was in high school – she worked as a Diversional Therapist for people in residential aged care and in a Neighbourhood House. When her youngest child finished school, she decided to go back to university and study History and Fine writing – she ended that period by completing a PhD! Her work ethic has always been amazing and she has been a quiet encouragement and role model for me.
Working in a female dominated profession, I have been privileged to work with many women whom I have aspired to emulate. Some of these women I have work side by side within my daily work and others I have served on committees and working groups with as part of Orthoptics Australia. This has led to me having a rich group of professionals who I regularly reach out to and draw inspiration from.
My social network is also of great support to me. I have many close female friends who all work in very different areas. Sharing experiences with them helps me to reflect on myself and my work and helps me stay balanced.
