Vision Australia (VA) is urging eyecare professionals and others to refer people with low vision or blindness early to the organisation, so that they can get on the right path to preserving their wellbeing.
VA said when a person began to lose their vision, it could impact every aspect of their life.
While the physical effects of vision loss often take centre stage after a diagnosis, the emotional and psychological toll can be just as profound – and sometimes even more isolating.
That’s why referring patients early to VA isn’t just a practical step, it said – it’s an essential part of preserving their overall wellbeing.
Its services are designed not only to support the practical adaptations required to live with low vision or blindness, but also to create safe spaces where people can grieve, connect and ultimately rebuild confidence in their ability to live fulfilled lives.
Ms Debbie Loke, VA’s national social support and wellbeing lead, highlighted the importance of referring early.
“Referring someone early to Vision Australia enables us to educate them about their vision condition so they can understand how to maximise their remaining sight and receive support tailored to their vision condition at every life stage that is aligned to their personal goals,” she said.
By initiating support early, people were not left to face their diagnosis alone, VA said.
Instead, they were welcomed into a community that understood the unique challenges of vision loss.
Early support also opened the door to tailored services – from orientation and mobility training to assistive technology.
But perhaps even more importantly, VA said it allowed patients to begin processing the emotional realities of their condition in a safe, guided space.
“Receiving a vision loss diagnosis is life-changing,” Loke said. “It impacts one’s ability to do practical everyday activities. These activities are tied into one’s ability to be independent and included in their community, and this loss impacts emotional wellbeing.”
It’s not uncommon for people newly diagnosed with vision conditions to experience anxiety, depression or profound grief. The process of adjusting to life with vision loss can stir up feelings of helplessness, frustration and isolation. Without the right emotional support, these feelings can silently erode confidence and hope.
VA said it recognised that mental health support was not optional – it’s integral.
Through targeted wellbeing programs, the organisation helps people navigate this emotional terrain with care, empathy and expertise.
It offers a range of wellbeing programs, each designed to meet the needs of people at different stages of their vision loss journey. Some target people who are looking to connect with peers about shared interests, while others are more for those people who are still coming to terms with their diagnosis.
These services include:
- Quality Living groups: Peer support and education in a safe, group environment.
- Telelink social groups: Social peer interaction in a group call setting in multiple languages and topic of interests.
- Check-In and Chat: Personalised one-on-one telehealth program focused on emotional wellbeing support to adjust to vision loss.
- Recreational group programs: Social face-to-face peer interaction in a safe group environment.
According to Loke, VA’s Quality Living group is a popular choice for people in the early stages of their diagnosis.
“It’s a safe forum where they can meet others to share their stories, strategies, and to learn from allied health professionals – and from each other,” she said.
The power of shared experience cannot be underestimated. Knowing that others are walking a similar path helps people feel less alone, and it creates opportunities to learn coping strategies and gain insight from those who have similar lived experiences.
The group setting becomes a space not just for grieving, but for growing.
For those more comfortable with one-on-one support, VA offers the Check-in and Chat program. This telehealth service provides personalised emotional support during those critical early stages of diagnosis.
To learn more about Vision Australia’s wellbeing services or to refer a patient, visit www.visionaustralia.org. You can also refer to Vision Australia through Oculo.
