Vision Australia says an early referral for people who are blind or have low vision can make all the difference in their long-term quality of life and is vital to preventing serious physical and emotional decline.
In a media release, Vision Australia, the country’s leading provider of support services for people who are blind or have low vision, said receiving a vision-loss diagnosis was a life-changing moment for many people.
Regardless of their age or personal situation, this news was likely to bring with it a wide range of emotions, with many people left unsure about what to do next.
“Referring your patients early to Vision Australia allows us to introduce support options that will not only reduce their risk of injury and distress, but also put them on the right path to live well with low vision,” says Ms Debbie Loke, Vision Australia’s national social support and wellbeing lead.
It said an early referral gave patients time to understand their eye condition, plan for the future and learn how to maximise their remaining vision.
Healthcare professionals could help their patients to reframe their “vision-loss journey” as a proactive transition, rather than a crisis, it said.
“It’s about giving patients choice and confidence right from the start,” said Vision Australia’s orthoptist lead – vision services initiatives, Ms Virginia McDonald. “An early referral allows us to take the time to understand how each person uses their unique vision in everyday life.”
Both Loke and McDonald know the dangers of delaying a referral to support services.
“Many patients who are blind or have low vision will face a significant risk of injury, depression, loss of income and social isolation the longer they wait to seek support,” said Loke.
“Waiting too long can mean people have already limited the things they do and lost confidence in everyday tasks,” said McDonald. “Even patients with ‘normal’ visual acuity can be at risk if contrast sensitivity is reduced – for example, when getting up at night or navigating low-light spaces, which increases the risk of falls.”
When referred to Vision Australia’s low-vision experts early, people benefited in a number of tangible ways.
“Our clients learn how to optimise their vision with personalised strategies that are tailored to their unique needs,” said McDonald.
“Vision Australia’s occupational therapists can provide early supports such as lighting and home modifications to help prevent risks and keep people moving, independent and socially connected.”
In addition to services that support people physically, Vision Australia also offered a range of programs to address the feelings of loss and grief that are typically associated with vision loss.
“Vision loss impacts one’s ability to do practical everyday activities for themselves, like driving, cooking, playing sport and making a cup of tea,” said Loke.
“All of these activities are tied into one’s ability to be independent and to be included in their community, and this loss in the ability to live life as they knew it impacts one’s emotional wellbeing.
“Through our wellbeing check in and chat program, we have found that clients benefit from conversations around grief and loss in regards to a vision loss diagnosis, and as a result they can see that there is hope and that they can still continue to achieve their goals and live life differently but fully.”
So, when exactly should healthcare professionals refer their patients to Vision Australia?
McDonald said that in addition to medical signs like vision loss that is not correctable with glasses or surgery, it was important to look out for more subtle signs.
“Are patients hesitating to go out at night? Finding reading more tiring? Struggling with tasks like managing medication or cooking safely? These small changes can be early signals that support could make a real difference.”
One of the most important reminders for professionals is this: you don’t need to wait until a patient asks for help to refer them.
“If you are unsure if your patient will benefit from Vision Australia’s services, send through a referral anyway,” said Loke.
“We will reach out to them and have a conversation. They may decide that they don’t need our services yet – that’s okay. We can follow up later with their permission, and when they are ready to receive support, we’ll be there.”
McDonald added: “A referral doesn’t lock anyone into services; it simply opens the door. Even just knowing that Vision Australia is available can ease anxiety and provide reassurance for patients, families and carers, as they know they can access practical, social and emotional resources whenever they need them.”
Referring patients to Vision Australia early in their diagnosis was not just good clinical practice, the release said, it had the potential to be truly life-changing by allowing people to adapt, thrive and maintain their identity and independence.
To refer a patient to Vision Australia, simply visit www.visionaustralia.org/refer, or submit a referral through Oculo.
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