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We’re with you every step 

Adjusting to and living with a vision condition can be challenging. Looking after your emotional and mental wellbeing is important, and you never have to do it alone. Connect with others who share similar experiences in our emotional wellbeing programs.

Check in and Chat - Wellbeing and emotional support

Welcome to Check in and Chat, Vision Australia's telehealth program to support your emotional, physical, and social wellbeing as you navigate vision loss.

We understand that losing your vision can bring about feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and a sense of disconnection. It may also impact your identity and independence, affecting not only you but also your family and carers.

How it can help

Check in and Chat aims to provide the necessary support to improve your overall wellbeing and live as comfortably, and independently as possible. All discussions are confidential, and we can arrange interpreters if required.

Our experienced Wellbeing team provide you with emotional support and assist you in adjusting to vision loss. The session plans are developed to help you navigate the challenges of daily living and remaining independent.

Register your interest in Check in and Chat

Our goal is to support you in taking achievable steps to improve your wellbeing, identify other support services you may need, and connect you with appropriate resources.

Quality Living Groups - Living well with vision loss

Our emotional support groups are confidential, safe and supportive. You can discuss the issues relating to your vision loss. 

Led by experienced coordinators, they provide useful knowledge on how to function in the world with blindness or low vision. They offer tips on: 

  • Adjusting things at home. 
  • Building the confidence to move around your neighbourhood. 
  • Advice on maintaining friendships. 
  • Understanding easy-to-use technology that can help you do the things you love. 

How it can help 

Learning to live with your vision condition can be an empowering experience. Connecting with those who have lived through a similar experience is a good first step in regaining your confidence and living life on your terms. 

Register your interest in Quality living groups

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition and are searching for a safe and supportive place to chat about what you’re going through with others in a similar situation, register today. 

Peer Support

 

The Peer Support Program provides one-on-one telephone support to people who request to talk to someone who is blind or has low vision about coping with vision loss.

The service is available for people across all life stages, including parents and carers who would like to speak to other parents and carers. You would be matched to a trained volunteer with similar characteristics.

The person you speak to may:

  • Have a similar eye condition or level of vision loss.
  • Be of a similar age.
  • Have similar family circumstances (e.g. the client and the Peer may both have children).
  • Have experience in study or starting a new job.
  • Have a common interest or recreational activity with the client.

How it can help

A personal connection with someone who can relate to what you’re experiencing can help you feel understood and guide you on your journey with vision loss.

Crisis support services

Vision Australia does not offer Crisis Support Services and is not available for counselling or support outside scheduled appointments.

Urgent help

If you or someone close to you is experiencing an emergency or is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero 000.

To talk to someone, call:

  • Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467. Suicide Call Back Service is a free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide
  • Lifeline – 13 11 14. Lifeline Service is a national charity providing 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services

I need help but it's not urgent

It is important that you get the support you need. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, having a bad day, facing stresses, or dealing with anxiety or depression. In Australia, general practitioners (GPs) can conduct mental health assessments and treatment or refer you directly to a mental health professional. It is important that you make an informed decision about the support that is best for you.

There are many options for telephone counselling and support. See the services listed below:

  • Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800 kidshelpline.com.au is Australia’s only free 24/7 support service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years and their parents, offering confidential and private counselling and mental health and wellbeing information and referrals.
  • Mensline - 1300 78 99 78. MensLine Australia is a free telephone and online counselling service offering support for men anywhere, anytime.
  • Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636. beyondblue.org.au provides mental health support 24/7 for people who are concerned about anxiety, depression or suicide.

Many of these helplines also offer counselling via online text chat services. Visit their websites above for details.

You can visit Head to Health, an online gateway funded by the Australian Government that can help you find other free and low-cost, trusted phone and online mental health resources.

How does phone support work?

  1. Call: These helplines are FREE, (local call cost may apply).
  2. Wait: A counsellor will take your call. Try taking some deep breaths if you feel nervous while you wait.
  3. Speak with a counsellor: They will ask some questions and work with you to understand your situation. They will help you feel supported and can explore options for support. You'll be listened to without judgment, and treated with respect. Your conversation will be private and confidential. You can choose to stay anonymous if you wish.

Explore stories from our groups

Vision Australia’s Quality Living Group bringing women together

Healthcare and Education

A new group is giving women who are blind or have low vision the chance to connect with each other, share experiences, and learn about making life easier at home and in the community. Vision Australia’s Quality Living Group for women is an eight-week workshop conducting sessions on women’s health, fitness, safety, emotional wellbeing, and household tasks.

Adam hopes to improve tech experience for others with vision loss

Vision Australia

Having had personal experience with how technology can support people who are blind or have low vision to lead independent and active lives, Adam Morris decided he’d do something to help others with vision loss.

Blind and low vision parents support others to overcome fears and challenges

Vision Australia

It’s come with some challenges, but for Deena Morgan and her husband there was never any real decision to make when it came to deciding to be parents.

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“The Quality Living Group helped me to start to come to terms with my vision loss.” 

— Marilyn, Vision Australia client

How Marilyn moved forward

Real stories

“It was a shock to wake up with no vision. I was in hospital for about two months while I had tests to find out what happened,” Marilyn explained. “Now, I can see shadows and a little bit of movement.”

Thanks to a recommendation from a friend, Marilyn contacted Vision Australia and joined an eight week Quality Living Group program, which provides peer support to people dealing with vision loss.

“The Quality Living Group helped me to start to come to terms with my vision loss,” said Marilyn.

Read Marilyn’s story

Technology and products

View all products
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Magnifiers

Magnifiers can help make reading easier. Great for reading your favourite book, household bills and recipes.

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Screen readers

Giving you greater access to your computer by having content on the screen read out to you.

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Lighting

Having the right lighting solutions can make many tasks around the home easier.

Frequently asked questions

Our clients have told us they have gained many benefits from the support they receive via our emotional wellbeing programs including confidence to take on new challenges, adjusting to vision loss and learning new ways to complete everyday tasks and develop a social support network.

You can choose to join a group program or choose individual telehealth sessions. Each program requires a commitment of a few hours. Call us on 1300 84 74 66 to find out more about our emotional support programs.

Services from Vision Australia do incur a fee. There are several ways you can fund the support, service, and products you need including My Aged Care – HCP and CHSP funding. We can support you with your funding applications. Some programs can also be funded privately. Please call us on 1300 84 74 66 to discuss your funding options.

Helpful resources