Vision Australia’s VIRGINIA MCDONALD details her collaboration with Lions Outback Vision to establish Broome’s first low-vision services, and how the role of orthoptists is central to its success.
In Broome, a coastal town in northwest Australia, Vision Australia and Lions Outback Vision have partnered to significantly improve eyecare for residents – including blindness and low vision rehabilitation – for the first time. This collaboration has led to the establishment of low-vision services in the Kimberley Eye Hub, a new multidisciplinary eyecare centre that offers advanced ophthalmology and optometry services closer to home, eliminating the need for long travels to Perth and remote regions for similar services.
“The role of orthoptists is central to this partnership’s success, bridging both worlds with a common language.”
The partnership
Led by Associate Professor Dr Angus Turner, the Lions Outback Vision team and I, the Kimberley Eye Hub represents a significant advancement in making eyecare accessible in Broome and introduces crucial blindness and low vision rehabilitation services to the community for the first time. The integration of our missions was seamless, and I was thrilled to lead this project for Vision Australia. Collaborating with Dr Turner and Lions Outback Vision felt natural, as our services complement each other well, working ‘hand in glove’. The role of orthoptists is central to this partnership’s success, bridging both worlds with a common language. This collaboration has culminated in the establishment of Broome’s first low-vision clinic within the hub, providing comprehensive services tailored to meet the community’s needs directly.
Renee Rich: Leading change
Orthoptist Ms Renee Rich graduated in 2021 from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and relocated from regional NSW in 2023. Rich leads the operational low vision services onsite, specialising in personalised vision rehabilitation, she aims to enhance life quality for individuals with blindness and low vision. Working under the guidance of Vision Australia and Lions Outback Vision, Rich has broadened her expertise beyond the traditional role of a specialist low vision orthoptist, embracing a wider spectrum of eyecare and vision rehabilitation skills.
Rich’s role is pivotal, as she applies her ophthalmic skills as an orthoptist to support Lions Outback eye clinic sessions and facilitate early rapport and trust with patients. This initial connection is crucial, as it addresses the range of emotions patients face regarding eye disease and vision loss. Her work is foundational in offering hope and in educating patients about the possibilities presented through the new vision rehabilitation services at the hub. Rich’s professional journey has quickly seen her develop a comprehensive set of specialist low-vision skills.
This is further enhanced by her proactive engagement in generalist vision rehabilitation areas to cater to the unique needs of her patients in Broome and other very remote communities. She leverages a broad spectrum of low- and high-tech assistive technologies to improve access to information, from enhancing in-built accessibility features on phones and computers, to recommending advanced digital magnifiers including training. In addition to technology, she teaches essential daily living skills. Rich also provides mobility guidance, referrals for emotional support, services for children and young people, Braille training, social support, and employment services.
Rich collaborates extensively with allied health professionals such as occupational therapists, mobility specialists, technology experts, and braille instructors, using joint face-to-face sessions and telehealth to to overcome distance barriers in remote areas. This ensures patients in Broome receive comprehensive care despite isolation challenges. Additionally, the hub offers a ‘Vision Store’ providing essential equipment for managing vision loss. This resource ensures that individuals have easy access to tools and technologies that empower them in their day-to-day activities, further supporting their journey towards independence. More equipment and resources are available at shop.visionaustralia.org.
Making a difference
One of Rich’s patients, Jaru, who has retinal dystrophy, highlights the positive impact of the clinic. Through personalised care and support, he is working towards his goals, such as becoming a tourist guide assistant and taking a boat mechanic course at TAFE, despite his vision challenges. The low vision clinic’s approach – which involves working closely with optometrists and community occupational therapists – helps patients like Jaru gain independence and confidence to live their lives the way they choose.
Impact on the community
The collaboration between Vision Australia and Lions Outback Vision in establishing the Kimberley Eye Hub has made significant strides in providing accessible eyecare and vision loss rehabilitation in Broome and remote areas of Western Australia. It’s not just about treating eye conditions, but also empowering individuals with sight loss to achieve their personal and professional goals.
In summary, the partnership is a practical response to the need for accessible eyecare and vision rehabilitation in remote areas, demonstrating the tangible benefits of bringing specialised services to communities for lifelong outcomes.
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