It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Eamonn Nugent, a cherished colleague, friend, and an extraordinary member of the Orthoptic community.
Eamonn left us far too soon, on 30th October 2024, at the age of 31, following a gallant battle with a brain tumour. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched through his work, his passion, and his kindness.
Eamonn studied Orthoptics at Glasgow Caledonian University, and attended Galway University Hospital (GUH) for a student placement where he formed a lasting bond with all the orthoptists in the department. After graduating with a First-Class Honours degree, he returned to GUH as an Orthoptist in 2016.
With his easy nature, calm presence, and strong work ethic, Eamonn became an integral part of the GUH orthoptic family. Eamonn was highly motivated, and continued to grow professionally, showing an interest in quality improvement in healthcare with an aptitude for leadership. In 2020 Eamonn was promoted to Senior Orthoptist and clinical co-ordinator for the diabetic retinopathy treatment service. He completed an MSc Health Studies in governance, leadership and quality improvement at the University of Dundee in 2022.
Beyond his career, Eamonn was a talented musician known especially for his skilful playing of the bodhrán. He brought life and rhythm to traditional Irish music, performing at numerous pubs, venues, and events throughout Galway and beyond. He would typically bring his bodhrán with him to work for a gig he would have later that day. It was on one of these famous traditional music nights that he met his future wife, Sarah, whose life and heart he captured with his infectious charm and kind soul.
In autumn 2022 Eamonn’s life was turned upside down by the discovery of rare brain tumour. Despite his illness, he continued to show his true colours – he supported a newly qualified Orthoptist in her role in GUH, he was still a very active member of the IAO and also began raising public awareness and funding for two amazing charities: Brain Tumour Research UK and Brain Tumour Ireland by releasing a charity album. All money raised from purchases of this album continue to be directed toward the charities (available for online purchase – eamonnnugent.bandcamp.com/album/the-waiting-room).
The Irish Orthoptists invite you to purchase the digital version of this album, and to listen to 34 minutes of beautiful traditional Irish and Scottish music in memory of our comrade whose memory leaves a lasting impression on us all to be better people.
Eamonn’s passing leaves a profound loss in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments and his contributions to the Orthoptic community, but for his vibrant personality, his joie de vivre, his generosity, and his unshakable belief in making the world a better place for others.
Eamonn is survived by his loving wife Sarah, his sister Ciara and parents Theresa and Joe.
-Irish Association of Orthoptists
With special thanks to Geraldine Stephenson, Clare Gillespie, Kendal Hinds and Lydia Edwards.