Specsavers’ Dame Mary Perkins Award for Outstanding Patient Care honours optometrists who have made an extraordinary impact on the vision and lives of their patients. Insight talks to some of the finalists about that impact and how it has affected their clients and themselves.
SPECSAVERS STATS
Name: Lisa Ogi | Current position: Senior optometrist |
Location: Specsavers Runaway Bay (Gold Coast, QLD) | Years within the business: 10
Why did you pursue an optometry career?
I wanted a career where I could talk to people, build relationships and make a difference in their daily lives. Eye health issues run strongly in my family. My dad had acute closed-angle glaucoma and my mum is a very high myope, so I saw early how much good eyecare can impact someone’s life. Their experiences showed me how meaningful this profession can be.
How did you come to work at Specsavers?
I was in my first year of optometry when I went along to my mum’s Specsavers appointment to help translate if needed. She was seeing Simon Kelly to pick up contact lenses. During the appointment she mentioned I was studying optometry, and Simon suggested I call if I was interested in working while studying. Ten years later, I’m still at Specsavers and still working with Simon.
Why were you nominated for the Dame Mary Perkins Award?
An 89-year-old patient, Frank, came in with an urgent letter from his GP who suspected a retinal detachment due to sudden vision loss. When I checked his vision and found it to be R Count Fingers and L Hand Movements, I knew something was seriously wrong. The cause was a submacular haemorrhage in his right eye, while his left eye was already blind from previous complications. This was his only seeing eye, and blood under the macula can quickly damage photoreceptors, so time was critical.
What did you do in handling this case?
I explained to Frank he needed to see a specialist urgently. I sent the referral through Oculo and called the ophthalmology practice, who called back within 10 minutes and offered a same-day appointment if he could arrive within the hour. I explained he was legally unable to drive, booked him a taxi, and alerted the driver to Frank’s vision issues. All of this happened during my 30-minute lunch break.
What was the outcome?
Frank made it to the specialist in time and received an anti-VEGF injection in his right eye. He was also referred to Vision Australia for a home visit. His driver’s licence was rescinded as he’s no longer legally safe to drive, which he understood. I’m helping him apply for the Taxi Subsidy and Vision Impairment Travel Pass.
How did Specsavers’ training and support help you with this patient?
Specsavers has shaped how I handle urgent situations. Working in a fast-paced clinic teaches you to balance efficiency with thorough care. All staff are trained to recognise and triage urgent cases properly.
What did you learn from helping and supporting the patient?
I realised how much difference it makes to pick up the phone and talk to people. Everyone I contacted – from the receptionist to the taxi driver – was willing to help once they understood the situation. It reminded me that small actions can have a big impact on a patient’s outcome and peace of mind.
Why are you proud to be a Specsavers optometrist?
I’m proud to be a Specsavers optometrist because the culture supports doing what’s right for patients. Even in a fast-paced environment, there’s a shared commitment to delivering the best possible care.
