About The Irish Association of Orthoptists
The Irish Association of Orthoptists (IAO) is the professional body for orthoptists in Ireland providing support, guidance, and educational resources for our members whilst providing information and education for our patients and service users. We strive to promote the profession for the benefit of patients and orthoptists and represent members at a national level.
The regulatory body for orthoptists is CORU, and registration with CORU is imminent. Many of us are members of The British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS)
There are currently 50 Orthoptists working in Ireland, most of whom are working in the public service for the HSE. Orthoptists are primarily employed in acute hospitals or in the community, and some work in the private sector.
Meet the IAO Committee:
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Chairperson – Jaina Byrne
Jaina qualified from the University of Liverpool with a BSc (Hons) Orthoptics. Her career started in the UK and she relocated to Ireland in 2009. She currently works in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, where she has a specialist interest in neuro-orthoptics and rehabilitation. In 2021 she completed a Masters in Medical Education at the University of Dundee and has a keen interest in undergraduate education and professional development. Her current roles include Lead Clinical Tutor for North Dublin Orthoptic representation on the Accountable Care Organisation for the North East Regional Integrated Eye Care Service (NERIECS), member of the Stroke and Neuro-rehab steering committee for the British and Irish Orthoptic Society.
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Secretary – Emmy Goodall
Emmy graduated from the University of Sheffield and currently works in the Mater Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, and the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire. Emmy completed the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt to bring innovative change and quality improvements into eye care services.
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Treasurer – Karen Cattigan
Karen completed her Orthoptic degree at Glasgow Caledonian University and worked in Dundee and Glasgow prior to relocating to Ireland. Since then, she has worked in Temple St Children’s Hospital and Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. She is now working in Dunshaughlin Health Care Unit, covering Co. Meath. Karen is the Community Network Lead and is responsible for regular meetings and events for those Orthoptists working in the community.
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Vocational Representative – Caroline Byrne
Having qualified in Birmingham in 1994, Caroline’s first job was at Hull Royal Infirmary. In 1996 she moved to Kings College Hospital, one of London’s largest teaching hospitals and was appointed Deputy Head in 2000. During her time at Kings College, she helped develop an Orthoptic Led Glaucoma monitoring service and was also clinical lead for neuro-ophthalmology patients attending the hospital.
Moving to Dublin in 2008, she joined the eye team at Beaumont Hospital, her experience in neuro-
ophthalmology has been strengthened and she established the first Orthoptic led pituitary monitoring service for patients with pituitary tumours. In 2021 Caroline was appointed as a council member of CORU – Regulating Health and Social Care Professionals.
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British and Irish Orthoptic Society Republic of Ireland Trustee – Claire McEntee
Claire has recently been appointed the Republic of Ireland Trustee for the British and Irish orthoptic Society (BIOS), and be responsible for representing BIOS members, promoting the profession, and addressing national issues on education and professionalism.
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CPD Representative – Kylie Moynagh
Kylie graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2008. She started her career in London and worked in several trusts including Buckinghamshire Healthcare, Imperial College Hospitals and a short post as deputy head of Barts Health trust before returning to Dublin in 2014. She currently works in Kilnamanagh/Tymon Primary Care.
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Website Editor – Eamonn Nugent
Graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2016, Eamonn currently works in Galway University Hospital as a senior orthoptist and clinical co-ordinator of the diabetic retina treatment service. Eamonn has a keen interest in quality improvement within eye care and recently obtained a Master’s degree in governance, leadership and quality in healthcare from the University of Dundee.
