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A lady is being assisted by a staff member at the Vision Australia store
Debbie Loke (left) and others at Vision Australia can help people at all stages of their vision-loss journey

Receiving a vision loss diagnosis is a life-changing moment for many people. Regardless of their age or personal situation, this news is likely to bring with it a wide range of emotions, with many people left unsure about what to do next.

An early referral to Vision Australia – Australia's leading provider of support services for people who are blind or have low vision – can make all the difference in a person’s long-term quality of life. In fact, it can be vital to preventing serious physical and emotional decline.

“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 Debbie Loke, Vision Australia’s national social support and wellbeing lead.

Early referral gives patients time to understand their eye condition, plan for the future and learn how to maximise their remaining vision. As such, by referring their patients to Vision Australia before their vision deteriorates significantly, healthcare professionals can help their patients to reframe their vision loss journey as a proactive transition, rather than a crisis.

“It’s about giving patients choice and confidence right from the start,” says Vision Australia’s orthoptist lead – vision services initiatives, Virginia McDonald. “An early referral allows us to take the time to understand how each person uses their unique vision in everyday life.” 

Both Debbie and Virginia know all too well 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,” says Debbie.

“Waiting too long can mean people have already limited the things they do and lost confidence in everyday tasks,” adds Virginia. “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 benefit in a number of tangible ways.

“Our clients learn how to optimise their vision with personalised strategies that are tailored to their unique needs,” explains Virginia.

“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 offers 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,” says Debbie. “All 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?

Virginia notes that in addition to medical signs like vision loss that is not correctable with glasses or surgery, it’s 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,” says Debbie. “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.”

Virginia adds: “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 is not just good clinical practice – it has the potential to be truly life-changing by allowing people to adapt, thrive and maintain their identity and independence.

Refer your patients

To refer a patient to Vision Australia, simply visit www.visionaustralia.org/refer, or submit a referral through Oculo. 

Insight Magazine

A version of this article was also published in Insight magazine. 

Visit the Insight website