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:

• Low vision assessments with Clinical Optometrist.
• Ophthalmology assessment if required.
• Referral for counselling offered if appropriate.
• Referral to external organizations for orientation and mobility training as required.
• Referral to an Occupational Therapist offered.
• Information on local peer support and social groups.
• Advice regarding services available from government and private business to assist daily living.
• Referral to charitable organizations for non-optical low vision aids and skills teaching – adaptive daily living.
• Advice and onward referral for electronic low vision devices.

How to Refer:

• Referrals accepted from Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, GPs or self referral by patient/client themselves or a family member.
• Referrals accepted by phone, post or fax. Or clients can call in to book an appointment.
• Information regarding visual acuity, visual fields, prognosis and eye condition is useful but not essential.
• No specific criteria for referral: we will see anybody with vision problems, which have not been solved by regular prescription eyewear.
• A report can be provided to the referring practitioner as appropriate/requested. Usually this would be posted, but can be faxed/electronic if requested.

Appointments:

• Appointments are available Mondays and Thursdays, 9.00 am – 4.30 pm.  Tuesdays and Thursdays , 8:00 - 4:30pm
• Call reception on 07 3832 1700 Monday – Friday, 8.30 am – 5.00 pm to make a booking.
• We currently have appointments available within the week, though this may vary depending on the demand.

Costs to Patient:

• $98.50 up front payment with $83.80 reclaimable form Medicare. Overall cost to client $14.70 (subject to change if Medicare subsidy changes).  Initial consult: $68.35 up front payment, $58.10 reclaimable from medicare. Subsequent consultations if required will be $34.20, $29.10 reclaimable from medicare. 

Information Resources:

• Information resources are tailored to individual clients and provided during/after their assessment.

  

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 service provided by Disability Services Support Unit (DSSU), Student Services Branch to students with vision impairment in state and non-state schools. Services are provided to children with vision impairment, including those with multiple impairments, from birth to school leaving age.

The PLVC provides a range of specialised vision assessments, support and information to assist students with vision impairment, their families, school staff and specialist support staff. Assessments assist in developing an understanding of each child's vision condition and associated visual behaviours, facilitate student access and participation, and promote learner engagement. Valuable input is provided by students, parents/carers, school and specialist support teachers during the PLVC appointment.

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:

T: 07 3240 9333
E: disabilityservicessupportunit@deta.qld.gov.au

Services Provided:

PLVC services can include information on:

* educational implications of specific eye conditions
* optical and non-optical low vision devices
* adjustments to learning materials, e.g.
          o font size (large print, symbol size),
          o alternate format (audio, Braille, digital)
          o preparation and presentation (background, foreground colour and layout)
* environmental adjustments (optimum illumination levels and control)
* low vision devices for short-term loan through the DSSU Loans Service.

Children attending the PLVC will have their own eye care practitioners who provide treatment/medical intervention for their eye conditions. The role and focus of the clinic is to supplement and complement these services by establishing the functional vision in the learning environment. School specialist staff will attend clinic appointments with families and recommend teaching strategies and educational adjustments for curriculum programming.
Outreach Clinics

The PLVC provides statewide services to a number of centres throughout the state in addition to the services at Disability Services Support Unit (DSSU) Buranda Campus in Brisbane.

How to Refer:

Referrals to the PLVC are made by the Advisory Visiting Teacher-Vision Impairment (AVT-VI) or Head of Special Education Services (HOSES) in consultation with the student (if appropriate), parents/carers and school or regional staff. Medical practitioners make referrals to the clinic through Regional Offices, Department of Education and Training. In making a referral to the PLVC, specialist support staff should consider whether this will provide additional information to support the student's education other than that provided by the student's own eye practitioners and education team.

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 Wednesdays during school terms.
    o Ophthalmology Clinics are held on Friday afternoons approximately every 3 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.

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:

Turpin House
233 Turpin Rd
Labrador QLD 4215

Contact Details:

T: (07) 5500 5949      
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:

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, 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.
•  Low vision assessments with orthoptist and low vision advisor.  A current ophthalmologist or optometrist report is required prior to appointment.
• Clinics are held 3-4 times per month.

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.

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:

Units 4&5 Perlan House
50 Aerodrome Rd
Maroochydore 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:

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, 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.
• Low vision assessments with orthoptist and low vision advisor.  A current ophthalmologist or optometrist report is required prior to appointment.
• Clinics are held 3-4 times per month.

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.

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

 

HERVEY BAY HOSPITAL LIONS LOW VISION CLINIC

Physical Location:

Hervey Bay Occupational Therapy Department
Hervey Bay Hospital
Cnr Nissen & Urraween Rds
Pialba QLD 4655

Services Provided:

* Low vision aids
* Special help for domestic, recreational and or mobility problems

Referral Procedure:

Clients may be referred by their GP; optometrist; ophthalmologist; health professional; carer, friend or family or self-referral.

Appointments:

* The clinic is held every 3rd Friday of the month 9.30 am – 12.00 noon.
* Consultation is by appointment
* Please bring current aids that you are using to the clinic.

Costs to Client/Patient:

* Professional services are FREE
* Low vision aids prescribed, are paid for by the client

Contact Details:

T: (07) 4120 6673
F: (07) 4120 6798
E: sally_lomas@health.qld.gov.au

 

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 4700

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:

Shop FA/258 Ross River Road
Aitkenvale QLD 4814

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:

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, Equipment Solutions, Further Education Bursaries, Technology and Training Solutions, and Training Courses.
• Seeing Eye Dogs. These services include: Seeing Eye Dogs Australia.
• 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.
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.

Modified by craig@auswebsites.net on 11-July-2011 3:14 PM