Vision Australia is keen to remind practitioners about the various funding options for blind and low vision patients, which it says can be “daunting” to remember in time poor and constrained clinical environments.
“Of course, the easiest and most simple form of funding is the patient self-funding services and any equipment/aids they may require. This for most is not an option and where a referral to Vision Australia can really help,” the organisation stated.
“We will ensure the patient has the best possible chance of gaining funding for which they may be eligible.”
Funding can be dependent on personal circumstances, including being means tested, and includes:
National/Federal Government general funding:
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) < 65 years of age
- My Aged Care (MAC) >65 years of age
Pensions – Centrelink and Department of Human Services
- Disability support pension
- Blind pension
National equipment funding:
- Job Access Workplace Modifications
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
- Work Ventures
- Telstra Disability Equipment Program
- Lions Visual Independence Foundation Funding Grants for ID Mate talking bar code scanner and Kapten Plus GPS device
State-based equipment funding:
NSW
- NSW Spectacles Program – Vision Australia
- Enable NSW
- Family Assistance Fund
- Technical Aid to the Disabled
VIC
- Victorian Eye care Service (VES)
- Victorian Aids and Equipment Program
- Green PC
QLD
- Green PC
NT
- Territory Independence Mobility Equipment Scheme (TIMES)
ACT
- ACT Low Vision Aids Scheme
All States & Territories
- Departments of Education, Catholic Education and Independent Schools
- Vision Australia Equipment Funding options – Further education Bursaries
- Tax deductions and private health insurance rebates
National mobility benefits and entitlements:
- Centrelink: Mobility Allowance
- National Companion Card Scheme – (enables eligible people with lifelong disability to participate at venues and activities without incurring the cost of a second ticket for their companion. Available most states at participating venues/events)
State-based mobility benefits:
- Vision Impaired Travel Pass (NSW, QLD, VIC)
- Access Travel pass (VIC)
- Taxi subsidy scheme-discounted taxi’s when public transport is not an option. (ACT, NSW, VIC, QLD)
Visit the following links for general and further funding information: visionaustralia.org or visionaustralia.org/referral/benefits-and-funding
More reading
‘Damning’ survey finds employment discrimination rife for low vision Australians
