Why refer to Vision Australia 

If you have a patient who is experiencing gradual or sudden vision loss, referring them to Vision Australia is vital to ensure they have the support and resources they need to maximise their remaining vision. 

We work alongside people of all ages and help them manage the physical, emotional and social impacts of vision loss, so they can safely maintain their independence and mobility.  

How to refer your patient

Resources for clinicians

Assorted stack of printed Vision Australia brochures

Free patient resources 

Download or order materials to help patients understand how Vision Australia can support them to manage their vision loss.  

Person holding Vision Australia branded cardboard vision simulation glasses

Order free patient materials 

From eye disease simulation glasses to occluders, we can send you a range of free materials for your patients.

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Clinician FAQs

From diagnosis and support to what happens after a referral, explore answers to your patients’ most frequently asked questions. 

Young Vision Australia client Zoe Dwyer and Zoe's OT, Lani Aoukar, read a Feelix book.

Healthcare professionals for all stages of life, including low vision orthoptists and optometrists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, wellbeing officers and more. 

How we support your patients 

Our services align around clients’ areas of life: 

  • Understanding their vision: Supporting clients to adjust to living with their eye condition.
  • Social, recreation and wellbeing: Helping clients to find social and support groups with others going through similar experiences.
  • Independence at home: Tips, training and technology to help clients live safely, comfortably and independently.
  • Out and about: Supporting clients to travel around the community, workplace and feel empowered to take on the wider world.
  • Employment services: Helping clients to gain the skills and confidence to work effectively and efficiently.
  • Children and young people: Everything for families and their child, so they can grow, learn and develop confidence and independence. 
     
Explore our services 

When to refer to Vision Australia 

It’s time to refer your patient to Vision Australia when they are experiencing any sort of vision loss that is not correctible by glasses or medical intervention.   

  • the diagnosis of a permanent, non-correctible or progressive eye condition, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, ocular albinism or retinitis pigmentosa.
  • their visual acuity is 6/12 or less (BCUA/BEO).
  • their visual field is 30 degrees or less with both eyes open (BEO). 
  • or when vision affects daily life such as experiencing difficulties with living independently, finding or retaining work, or coping emotionally with vision loss.
Vision Australia client Stephen Mooney prepares a sandwich in the kitchen with support from Vision Australia OT Andrea Cherny.

What happens after referral?

  • Vision Australia contacts patient.
  • Discussion of condition and needs.
  • Goals established based on needs.
  • Support accessing eligible funding streams.

  • Eligibility for funding assessed and discussed.
  • Services commence when funding is approved.
  • Aids and equipment options introduced.

  • Vision Australia staff review progress against goals.
  • New goals discussed based on needs.
  • Services provided again if needed.

Patient resources