Recently launched Eyes for Life Canberra aims to help people who are blind or have low vision to develop strategies that enable them to maximise their independence.
The not-for-profit charity – which commenced operations 18 months ago – offers a range of programs, including advice and counselling, to assist individuals navigating declining visual acuity, and offers those recently diagnosed with a vision impairment the opportunity to discuss their condition and receive guidance in a supportive and caring environment.
The organisation also provides access to a skilled team comprising an outreach officer, community engagement officer, and occupational therapist. Together, the team can provide a program or referral to assist people who are vision impaired to develop their abilities and social skills, as well as promote and maintain independence in their everyday lives.
Ms Prue Mayhew, community engagement officer for Eyes for Life Canberra, said the organisation’s Future Development Program included information, advice, assessments, counselling, and referrals to other agencies to foster quality-of-life.
“The Future Development Program provides assessments and advice on home modifications, including advice on home appliances and other equipment best suited to the individual’s needs,” she said.
“Through our occupational therapist, Eyes for Life Canberra can offer people training in adapting daily living skills, offer advice on equipment and suggest strategies so people can overcome barriers associated with eyesight problems or vision loss.”
Eyes for Life Canberra is based in The Griffin Centre in Civic and its Future Development Program can be provided in any setting, including the home, workplace, place of education, care facility or retirement centre.
Mayhew said the first step in the referral process is to book an initial consultation with the outreach officer who meets with clients to discuss their needs. After the initial consult, further consults may be arranged with appropriate health professionals to guide and support people to be as independent as possible.
“Once the needs of the client have been identified, they will then be able to access the Future Development Program with staff of the Eyes for Life Team,” she said.
“Eyes for Life Canberra has a range of peer support programs to ensure people feel a sense of belonging to place and community. We are local to Canberra and are smaller and more client focused than some of the other larger blindness agencies.
“The feedback we receive from people is that our size allows us to tailor unique one on one supports and services. Our client focused care caters for individuals as well as their families. Many clients have been part of the service for many decades and have become part of the Eyes for Life family.”
Eyes for Life Canberra often hosts local events for allied health professionals, including optometrists, who refer their patients to the service.
Its next event will be on Wednesday 25 October 9:30-12:00, Level 1 room 6 20 Genge Street Civic 2601. It will include a key note speaker and be advertised through Optometry Australia’s Centre of Excellence for Continuing Professional Development.
One optometrist said: “The team at Eyes for Life have been fantastic at making the referral process simple and straightforward, and always make themselves available when you need them. I can feel they really care about my patients’ concerns, and I’m comforted by their transparency about their services.”
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