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Thriving with low vision  

Understanding your vision condition and how to best use any of your remaining vision, can help you feel confident and enable you to live more independently. That’s why we’re committed to helping you learn strategies, discover new technology, get support, and take advantage of products designed to help you thrive. 

Our team of experts is here to help, and can work with you to develop tailored techniques and routines giving you the power to live life on your terms.

  • Breaking down what your eye condition means, and how you can best use your vision in everyday tasks. 
  • Explore aids and technology to identify small tasks/objects.
  • Understanding the effects of glare and how to manage it.
  • Figuring out the best use of lighting around your home or workplace.
  • Developing techniques to help your everyday vision.

How this can help

  • Knowledge is power. Having all the facts is the best way to start thriving with low vision and communicating this to others. 
  • Care and support. Understanding your eye condition with expert advice can open up brand new possibilities and opportunities – helping you live life on your terms. 
  • Safety and security. Understanding the full range of services and products available to you gives you the confidence to conquer the everyday. 

  • Discover products that can best assist you, such as magnifiers and reading lights or lamps, and appliances.
  • Try out new technology like reading software and apps that can assist with independent living.

How this can help 

  • Better equipped. Finding the right product to aid your vision can increase wellbeing, social connections and find or maintain employment.
  • Stay up to date. Staying current with the latest technology and techniques allows you to stay more connected and engaged with the ever-changing world.

Meet your orthoptist

The personal trainer for your eyes 

Our orthoptists are qualified allied health professionals specialising in low vision who'll work with you to maximise use of your functional vision.

They will work hand in hand with your eye specialist to monitor your vision and ensure any changes are assessed and managed.

Cheryl dressed in a painters aprons smiles at camera while standing in front of colourful canvases

“Speak to professionals, because they’ll tell you about what’s available – and whatever you do, don’t stop what you are doing!” 

— Cheryl, Vision Australia client

Cheryl’s fight to remain independent

Real stories

When Cheryl lost her sight, the biggest challenge was also losing her independence. She said of her experience: “The biggest impact was the day I had to hand in my driver’s licence”.  

But she decided to be positive and proactive, and reached out to Vision Australia for support. Something that she would recommend anyone with a similar experience to do.

Read Cheryl’s story

Technology and products

View all products
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Magnifiers

Magnifiers can reduce the strain on your eyes. Great for reading your favourite book, magazine or menu.

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Reading and writing

Our reading and writing products can make reading and communication easier at home or at work.

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Everyday technology

Explore the latest accessible technology and serve your favourite dishes with talking scales and microwaves.

FAQs

A vision assessment enables our orthoptist to determine the location of your functional vision so they can make tailored recommendations for you. This session will also help you to understand your diagnosis, ask any questions you might have about your vision condition and support you to get the most out of your vision. Our orthoptist will work together with your eye specialist to monitor your vision. 

You can read more about common eye conditions here. Our orthoptist will also be able to answer any questions you may have during your assessment. 

Services provided by Vision Australia incur a cost. There are several ways you can fund the support, services and products you need. Speak with us about your funding options on 1300 84 74 66.

Helpful resources