SeeWay, an initiative of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, is shining a light on the emotional and practical challenges of low vision through its new awareness campaign, A loss of some vision needn’t mean a loss of connection.
At the heart of the campaign is SeeWay’s free national service, designed to help Australians with permanent low vision stay connected, confident and independent. The program offers personalised counselling, lifestyle guidance and digital skills training to bridge the gap between clinical eyecare and everyday life.
Low vision affects more than 70,000 Australians whose sight loss cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. While many are ineligible for government-funded support, the emotional toll can be significant – with one in three experiencing depression, and many reporting social isolation or anxiety following diagnosis.
SeeWay provides:
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Bulk billed counselling through partner organisation OnPsych (with a GP referral)
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Lifestyle guidance for daily safety and confidence
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Digital skills training to help people shop, connect and access online services
“Even after the best medical treatment, many patients are left with permanent low vision and uncertainty about how to adapt,” said Professor Andrew Chang, vitreoretinal surgeon and head of ophthalmology at Sydney Eye Hospital.
“We may not always see the emotional impact once patients leave our care. Services like SeeWay can help them rebuild confidence and stay engaged with their communities.”
For SeeWay client Suzi, who lives with macular disease, the program has been transformative.
“If you’re just given a brochure and sent home, then what? SeeWay met me where I was. I can’t drive anymore, but learning to use FaceTime with better accessibility has kept me connected to friends and family.”
With technology now central to everyday life, SeeWay’s digital literacy training ensures no one is left behind – teaching participants how to use accessibility tools, manage online tasks and maintain social connections.
By addressing the emotional, social and digital aspects of adjustment, SeeWay complements the work of eyecare professionals, helping people live well with vision changes.
To refer a patient or learn more, visit SeeWay.com.au.
