Low Vision Clinics and Rehabilitation Agencies
Metropolitan Brisbane
BRISBANE EYE CLINIC
GREENSLOPES LOW VISION CARE CLINIC
BRISBANE - GUIDE DOGS QUEENSLAND
PAEDIATRIC LOW VISION CLINIC
QUT VISION REHABILITATION CENTRE (VRC)
VISION AUSTRALIA, QUEENSLAND
Regional Services
GOLD COAST
WIDE BAY/BURNETT REGION
SUNSHINE COAST
ROCKHAMPTON
TOOWOOMBA
TOWNSVILLE/CAIRNS
Click on the links above to go directly to the service of interest.
METROPOLITAN BRISBANE
BRISBANE EYE CLINIC
Physical Location:
Level 1 BMM Place
135 Wickham Terrace
Brisbane QLD 4000
Public Transport: Opposite the back entrance of Central train station.
Contact Details:
T: (07) 3832 1700
F: (07) 3831 3129
W: http://www.brisbaneeyeclinic.com.au
Services Provided:
How to Refer:
Appointments:
Costs to Patient:
Information Resources:
GREENSLOPES LOW VISION CARE CLINIC
Physical Location:
Outpatient Department
Greenslopes Private Hospital
Newdegate Street
Greenslopes QLD 4120
Contact Details:
T: (07) 3394 7670
F: (07) 3394 7469
E: Nil
W: http://www.greenslopesprivate.com.au/services/low_vision.asp
Services Provided:
• Low vision assessments with multidisciplinary team including an Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, an Occupational therapist, and a Social Worker.• Access to orientation and mobility training with external staff.
• Counselling is provided with the Social Worker where appropriate, including referral to appropriate peer supports and social networks.
How to Refer:
• Referrals are accepted from Ophthalmologists, GPs or Optometrists.
• Referrals may be made by letter or fax, no template is required.
• Some information about diagnosis, visual acuity, visual field or eye condition would be helpful but certainly not absolutely required.
• There are no specific criteria for referral. Referrals are appropriate as soon as a person experiences difficulties with low vision.
• Results of assessment are sent to the referring practitioner as a pro-forma.
Appointments:
• Appointments can be made by calling Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm.
• Assessments are held on a Tuesday morning.
• Occasionally, clients may need to return on a separate occasion for continuing services, such as assessment for electronic magnifiers or consulting with the Social Worker or Occupational Therapist.
Costs to Client/Patient:
• Whilst all outpatient services are currently being reviewed and patient costs are subject to change, low vision assessment services are at present bulk-billed to Medicare.
• DVA patients are to bring their entitlement card as some optical aids may be funded by DVA.
• Optical aids may be purchased at cost price.
Information Resources:
• An information booklet is sent to prospective clients informing them of what will occur during their low vision assessment.
BRISBANE - GUIDE DOGS QUEENSLAND
Physical Location:
1978 Gympie Road
BALD HILLS QLD 4036
PO Box 50 Bald Hills QLD 4036
Contact Details:
T: (07) 3500 9060
F: (07) 3261 4833
E: rehab@guidedogsqld.com.au
W: http://www.guidedogsqld.com.au/
Accessibility/Public Transport options:
Train and bus stops are located close to the centre, however we recommend you let Client Services know your location and time of arrival so staff can help coordinate assistance or pick-ups should they be needed.
Bus: The Redcliffe 680 bus route stops at the Bald Hills bus stop, located near the northeast gate to the GDQ centre. The 680 line stops at the transit centres at the Strathpine and Chermside shopping centres. Please call Rehab Services to confirm arrival times.
Train: Catch the Caboolture line and disembark at Bald Hills. It’s a 20 minute walk to the centre with crossing of Gympie Road at traffic light intersection at the corner of Gympie and Linkfield roads (gate in Southeast corner of GDQ fence). Please call Rehab Services to be met at this point. Alternatively call when either opposite centre for Client Services staff member to provide assistance crossing Gympie Road, or call prior to arrival and arrange to be picked up at Bald Hills train station.
Services Provided:
Guide Dogs Queensland’s following services are designed to increase a person’s independence and mobility, and help individuals overcome the isolation that can often come with losing sight. These services also promote social, emotional and physical well-being. Services include:
• Guide Dog Mobility
• Long Cane Training
• Electronic Travel Aid Training
• Adaptive Technology
• Counselling Retreats
• Young People’s Programs and School Holiday Camps. GDQ delivers its Special Education programs within school environments, community settings, at home and on school holiday camps. Instructors can work one on one with children, who have low or no vision, through school outreach programs, before or after school. Group programs also allow younger clients to take part in week-long stays at GDQ’s Client Residence. Private rooms are provided, with a communal dining and lounge area, and trained residential carers deliver overnight care. The programs are designed to build a young person's confidence, their ability to socialise and create new friendships and to develop orientation and mobility skills.
• Low Vision Support Groups. GDQ assists support groups throughout Queensland, by providing up-to-date information, services and advice. Some of the Brisbane groups also use GDQ’s Client Services building as their meeting base. Support groups provide people, who have experienced vision loss, with an opportunity to meet and share thoughts and ideas with others who are blind or vision impaired.
• Low Vision Clinics. The association participates in a variety of multidisciplinary teams associated with Low Vision Clinics. The teams can include: Orientation and Mobility Instructors, Optometrists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and Ophthalmologists and occur across Queensland.
• Community and Professional Workshops and Mobility Expos. The association conducts a variety of community and professional education workshops about vision impairment. These can be adapted for medical and paramedical professionals, vision impairment program staff, carers, HAAC workers and school teachers.
• GDQ’s expert staff members also consult for and advocate on behalf of Queensland’s blind and vision impaired community in a number of government, educational and public sectors. A Mobility Expo is also held every year during Disability Action Week to help promote and educate on the wide range of services available to people with low or no vision.
How to Refer:
• Contact can be made by way of self-referral or through health professionals, community agencies, family members and friends.
Clients can be referred to Guide Dogs Queensland in the following ways:
• The website referral page: http://www.guidedogsqld.com.au/page/Services_for_blind_and_vision_impaired/Apply_for_Services
• By calling Client Services on 07 3500 9060; or
• By faxing the Referral Forms to 07 3261 4833.
Appointments:
• After a referral has been received, Client Services’ staff will contact the client to organise a suitable assessment appointment date and time.
• The following forms, initially provided by GDQ, must be completed and presented by the client at the time of the assessment:
o Medical forms to be completed by the client’s General Practitioner,
o Ophthalmologist forms – to be completed by the client’s Eye Practitioner.
• Assessments occur in either of two ways. Either the client attends an Assessment Day, which occurs every second Tuesday at the Bald Hills centre, or at the client’s residence if deemed appropriate by the manager.
• The assessment duration occurs over a 90 minute period with a qualified instructor, whom at the completion of which makes a determination as to how services / assistance will be provided.
Costs to Client/Patient:
The association provides the following services statewide, and free of charge:
• Guide Dog Mobility
• Long Cane Training
• Electronic Travel Aid training
• Adaptive Technology
• School Holiday Camps
• Young People’s Programs
• Counselling Retreats
• Low Vision Support Groups
• Low Vision Clinics
• The following costs are incurred by clients
o The cost of canes and cane accessories, and
o Clients participating in residential classes a nominal fee for meals of $20 a day.
Information Resources:
Information resources available for clients and health professionals.
To listen to an audio recording of GDQ Rehabilitation Services Manager Bashir Ebrahim OAM speaking about the the services of Guide Dogs Queensland, click on the Flash player link below. This recording was taken from an Australian College of Health Service Executives (ACHSE) broadcast by Queensland Health, transmitted 26 February 2009. Audio compiled by Mr David Truong.
PAEDIATRIC LOW VISION CLINIC
The Paediatric Low Vision Clinic (PLVC) is a direct support service offered by the Department of Education and Training (DET) to children from birth to school leaving age with vision impairment, including students with additional or multiple impairments, in state and non-state facilities throughout Queensland. The PLVC is coordinated by Disability Services Support Unit (DSSU), Student Services Division.Physical Location:
17 Churchill Street
Buranda QLD 4102
Public Transport: Rail - Closest station - Buranda (Cleveland line).
Bus: Buranda Busway or Nos. 174, 175, 204 via Old Cleveland Rd.
Contact Details:
Nicole Anthonysz
Senior Advisor - Students with Disabilities
T: 07 3247 3282 (Wednesday - Friday)
07 3240 9316 (Monday - Tuesday)
E: nicole.anthonysz@deta.qld.gov.au
Services Provided:
• The PLVC provides a range of specialised vision assessments, support and information to students with vision impairment, their families and specialist support personnel, including teachers, therapists and nurses.
• The primary role of the PLVC is to inform strategies required to enhance each child’s access to learning and participation in the curriculum. Advice and recommendations are made to suit the diverse learning needs and styles of children who have a wide range of eye conditions and visual functioning.
• Assessments assist in developing an understanding of each child’s vision condition and associated visual behaviours. Recommendations are made on appropriate education adjustments, alternate formats, specialised equipment and teaching strategies to facilitate access, participation and achievement within the curriculum for students with vision impairment as identified by DET verification guidelines.
• More information on DET’s verification guidelines is available at:
http://education.qld.gov.au/students/disabilities/adjustment/verification/vi.html
Other state-wide services of the PLVC include:
• Linkages with DET and community agencies working with students with vision impairment.
• Professional development activities to departmental and community agencies throughout the state.
• Development of learning materials and publications related to education of students with vision impairment.
How to Refer:
• Referrals are made directly by the student’s specialist, school or family if they consider the student to meet DET’s criteria for consideration in the category of vision impairment.
• Children attending the PLVC will have their own eye care practitioners who provide treatment/medical intervention for their eye conditions. The role of the clinic is to complement these services by evaluating the educational implications of the vision condition and establishing the level and use of each child’s functional vision in the learning environment.
• Reports are provided to appropriate specialist and educational personnel (with parent permission).
Appointments:
• Initial and review appointments are arranged in response to requests from the child’s specialist support teacher or from the child’s eye care practitioners.
• In Brisbane:
o Optometry Clinics are held on Wednesday and Friday mornings and periodically on a Thursday morning.
o Ophthalmology Clinics are held on a Friday afternoon approximately every 4 weeks.
Information Resources:
• Specific information can be provided during or following assessment.
QUT VISION REHABILITATION CENTRE (VRC)
Physical Location:
QUT Optometry Clinic
QUT (Kelvin Grove Campus)
44 Musk Ave
Kelvin Grove QLD 4059
Public Transport: Bus: Kelvin Grove Busway Station is located about 10 minutes walk from the Optometry Clinic. The Clinic is also accessible from buses that service McCaskie Park on Kelvin Grove Road. Parking is also available.
Contact Details:
T: (07) 3864 5743
W: http://www.hlth.qut.edu.au/opt/clinic/
Services Provided:
• Low vision assessments with multidisciplinary team including Optometrists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapist and an Orientation and Mobility Instructor. The VRC will arrange referral to other community services if necessary.
• Social work evaluation for vision impaired people and their families.
• Occupational therapy assessment of daily activity needs at work, study or home.
• Orientation and mobility assessment of mobility needs.
• Trials with, and expert advice, on the latest computerised information technology for use at home, or with study or work.
How to Refer:
• Referrals can come directly from client or health professional.
• Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm.
• Clinic hours are Wednesday and Friday 9:00am – noon.
Costs to Patient:
• Nil cost for consultation. Patients are examined by the School of Optometry students under the supervision of experienced Optometrists.
• Optical low vision devices may be made available on loan or prescribed. A charge is made for these devices.
Information Resources:
• Brochures regarding clinic, eye health, lighting, and vision care are available.
VISION AUSTRALIA, QUEENSLAND
Physical Location:
373 Old Cleveland Road
Coorparoo QLD 4151
Postal address:
PO Box 1637
Coorparoo DC , QLD 4151
Public Transport: please contact reception for details
Contact Details:
T: 1300 84 74 66 or 07 3727 2345
F: 07 3727 2222
E: info@visionaustralia.org
W: http://www.visionaustralia.org
Services Provided:
Vision Australia assists tens of thousands of children and adults who are blind or have low vision to live the lives they choose.
We provide services to people at home, in our centres and in the community. Vision Australia offers a range of services that can be tailored to a person's level of vision, supporting people who have some remaining sight to those who are blind.
• Independence in the Community and Home. These services include: Children's Services, Equipment Solutions, Independent Living Services, Low Vision Services and Quality Living Programs.
• Education and Training. These services include: Children's Services, Employment Services, Equipment Solutions, Further Education Bursaries, Technology and Training Solutions, and Training Courses.
• Seeing Eye Dogs and Mobility. These services include: Seeing Eye Dogs Australia and Orientation and Mobility services such as cane training.
• Information and Recreation. These services include: Audio Books, Feelix Library, Information Library Service, Recreation and Sports, and Vision Information Line.
• Advocacy and Community Education. These services include: Community Education, our dedicated Speakers' Network and the work performed by our Policy and Advocacy team.
• Business Services. These services include: Access Advice, Accessible Information Solutions and some Training Courses.
How to Refer:
• Individuals, family, and health professionals can refer by phone or in writing.
• It is recommended that referrals from health professionals include visual acuity, eye condition, visual fields, and prognosis, but this is not essential.
• Referral is recommended when glasses will no longer assist and visual acuity is 6/18 or less, or when a diagnosis is made of a degenerative condition.
• Results of assessments will be provided on request to referring medical practitioner, preferably by email.
Appointments:
• Telephone Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66 to make an appointment.
Costs to Client/Patient:
• Most of Vision Australia's services are free.
Information Resources:
• Wide range of materials and resources available on the website http://www.visionaustralia.org or in braille, audio tape, CD, and large print.
To listen to an audio recording of Karen Knight, speaking about the the services of Vision Australia, click on the Flash player link below. This recording was taken from an Australian College of Health Service Executives (ACHSE) broadcast by Queensland Health, transmitted 26 February 2009. Audio compiled by Mr David Truong.
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Volunteering
Vision Australia offers many opportunities for volunteers to gain new skills and confidence, make friends and have fun while they enjoy the sense of reward that comes from helping others.
Roles include assisting with administrative tasks, public speaking and narrating talking books and newspapers. Vision Australia can help people find a position that best fulfils their interests and goals.
SEEING EYE DOGS QUEENSLAND
Services Provided:
Seeing Eye Dogs Queensland is a division of Vision Australia, the nations only national provider of Seeing Eye Dogs.
How to Refer:
Referrals can be made in the following ways:
• Self-referral
• Family Members
• Community Groups and Agencies
• Health Professionals
Appointments:
Telephone Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66 to make an appointment.
Costs to Client/Patient:
• All services provided to SEDQ clients throughout Queensland are free of charge.
Information Resources:
• For further information visit: http://www.seda.org.au
REGIONAL SERVICES
GOLD COAST
GOLD COAST - GUIDE DOGS QUEENSLAND
Physical Location:
Shop 6
34 High Street
Southport
QLD
Contact Details:
T: (07) 5528 0433
F: (07) 5528 0533
E gold@guidedogsqld.com.au
W: http://www.guidedogsqld.com.au
VISION AUSTRALIA – SOUTHPORT/GOLD COAST
Physical Location:
Suite 2B, 34 High Street
Southport Qld 4215
PO Box 309, Southport BC Qld 4215.
Contact Details:
T: 1300 84 74 66
Ask for Southport/Gold Coast Office.
Services Provided:
• Low vision assessments with orthoptist and low vision advisor. A current ophthalmologist or optometrist report is required prior to appointment.
• Clinics are held monthly.
How to Refer:
• Individuals, family, and health professionals can refer by phone to National Contact Centre.
• It is recommended that referrals from health professionals include visual acuity, eye condition, visual fields, and prognosis.
• Referral is recommended when glasses will no longer assist and visual acuity is 6/18 or less, or when a diagnosis is made of a degenerative condition.
• Results of assessments will be provided on request to referring medical practitioner, preferably by email.
Appointments:
• Telephone Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66.
• An Intake Officer will make arrangements for the appropriate service provider to ring and make an appointment at a mutually convenient time.
• Low Vision Clinic appointments will generally be within four to six weeks to enable report to be received from ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Costs to Client/Patient:
• No charge to client for services.
• Optical aids to be purchased by client at list prices. DVA Gold Card clients may be eligible for free optical aids through DVA.
Information Resources:
• Wide range of materials and resources available on the website http://www.visionaustralia.org or in Braille, audio tape, CD, and large print.
SUNSHINE COAST
SUNSHINE COAST - GUIDE DOGS QUEENSLAND
Physical Location:
Shop 7 151 Horton Parade
Maroochydoore QLD 4558
Contact Details:
T: (07) 5443 8033
F: (07) 5443 9133
E: sunshine@guidedogsqld.com.au
VISION AUSTRALIA - MAROOCHYDORE
Physical Location:
Shop 1, George Street
Maroochydore Qld 4558
PO Box 894, Maroochydore Qld 4558.
Contact Details:
T: 1300 84 74 66
Ask for Maroochydore Office.
Services Provided:
• Low vision assessments with orthoptist and low vision advisor. A current ophthalmologist or optometrist report is required prior to appointment.
• Clinics are held monthly.
How to Refer:
• Individuals, family, and health professionals can refer by phone to National Contact Centre.
• It is recommended that referrals from health professionals include visual acuity, eye condition, visual fields, and prognosis.
• Referral is recommended when glasses will no longer assist and visual acuity is 6/18 or less, or when a diagnosis is made of a degenerative condition.
• Results of assessments will be provided on request to referring medical practitioner, preferably by email.
Appointments:
• Telephone Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66.
• An Intake Officer will make arrangements for the appropriate service provider to ring and make an appointment at a mutually convenient time.
• Low Vision Clinic appointments will generally be within four to six weeks to enable report to be received from ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Costs to Client/Patient:
• No charge to client for services.
• Optical aids to be purchased by client at list prices. DVA Gold Card clients may be eligible for free optical aids through DVA.
Information Resources:
• Wide range of materials and resources available on the website http://www.visionaustralia.org or in Braille, audio tape, CD, and large print.
WIDE BAY/BURNETT REGION
VISION AUSTRALIA – Wide Bay/Burnett Region
Contact Details:
T: 1300 84 74 66
Ask for Wide Bay/Burnett.
ROCKHAMPTON
ROCKHAMPTON - GUIDE DOGS QUEENSLAND
Physical Location:
20 Upper Dawson Street
Rockhampton
QLD
Contact Details:
T: (07) 4922 6667
F: (07) 4922 6653
E: rocky@guidedogsqld.com.au
TOOWOOMBA
TOOWOOMBA - GUIDE DOGS QUEENSLAND
Physical Location:
270 Margaret Street
Toowoomba
Qld 4350
Contact Details:
T:(07) 4632 6944
F: (07) 4721 2476
E toowoomba@guidedogsqld.com.au
W: http://www.guidedogsqld.com.au/
TOWNSVILLE/CAIRNS
TOWNSVILLE - GUIDE DOGS QUEENSLAND
Physical Location:
123 Ross River Road
Mundingburra
Qld 4812
Contact Details:
T: (07) 4772 4300
F: (07) 4721 2476
E townsville@guidedogsqld.com.au
W: http://www.guidedogsqld.com.au
VISION AUSTRALIA - CAIRNS
Physical Location:
Suite 7, Level 2, Mainstreet Arcade
82 Grafton Street
Cairns Qld 4870.
Contact Details:
T: 1300 84 74 66
Ask for Cairns Office.
Services Provided:
• Low vision assessments with orthoptist and low vision advisor. A current ophthalmologist or optometrist report is required prior to appointment.
• Clinics are held one week, once a quarter.
How to Refer:
• Individuals, family, and health professionals can refer by phone to National Contact Centre.
• It is recommended that referrals from health professionals include visual acuity, eye condition, visual fields, and prognosis.
• Referral is recommended when glasses will no longer assist and visual acuity is 6/18 or less, or when a diagnosis is made of a degenerative condition.
• Results of assessments will be provided on request to referring medical practitioner, preferably by email.
Appointments:
• Telephone Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66.
• An Intake Officer will make arrangements for the appropriate service provider to ring and make an appointment at a mutually convenient time.
• Low Vision Clinic appointments will generally be within four to six weeks to enable report to be received from ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Costs to Client/Patient:
• No charge to client for services.
• Optical aids to be purchased by client at list prices. DVA Gold Card clients may be eligible for free optical aids through DVA.
Information Resources:
• Wide range of materials and resources available on the website http://www.visionaustralia.org or in Braille, audio tape, CD, and large print.
Eye Health
