VisAbility is strengthening its connections with the Lions Eye Institute (link opens in new window) (LEI), so we can offer further support to people who are vision impaired or blind.
Based in Nedlands, the LEI is home to world class specialists developing techniques for the prevention of blindness and curing eye conditions. It also has an ophthalmic clinic.
Social Worker Marija Clark will be based at LEI two mornings a week. She will offer guidance and advice to those who need it most. Many may have received a recent diagnosis.
“Having a presence at the Lions Eye Institute makes perfect sense. Ophthalmologists are the ones who consult with the patients, but emotional support and connection to the community and informing people about other services is the next step,’’ she explains.
“I can offer immediate advice to people who may have only just found out they’re losing their sight.’’
Marija Clark – Social Worker
Taking the fear out of a new diagnosis
A new diagnosis of an eye condition can be overwhelming. People may have many questions, ranging from financial support such as concessions cards to vision loss related services, therapy and access to funding.
Marija Clark has more than twenty years’ experience in eye health. She also has lived experience of low vision.
“I can be the first point of call to anyone trying to navigate their life with a vision impairment. They might not know anything about the NDIS, My Aged care or Job Access.’’
LEI Senior Optometrist Amanda Poulson says it makes perfect sense for the two organisations to have closer collaboration.
“I like to think that we’re bridging the gap or joining the dots. Together we are providing a complete service,’’ Amanda explains.
Marija is the missing link. She has the knowledge to be able to guide people at a time when they may be working through the grief of losing their sight.
Amanda Poulson – Optometrist
“By offering this service at LEI, we are providing a whole package, not just a diagnosis. I very much believe that if you put good in, then you receive good back,’’ she adds.
Moving forward with vision loss
By meeting people early on in their vision loss journey, Marija can help to action things sooner to reduce uncertainty.
Many of the patients at the LEI Clinic are elderly with conditions such as macular degeneration or glaucoma.
“Adults and seniors can still enjoy a good quality of life and retain their independence. They’re probably unaware that NDIS funding can cover home adaptations, so homes become more accessible. The kitchen can be fitted with tactile markings on appliances. We can improve lighting and introduce magnifiers so tasks like reading become easier. ’’
With help from therapists, people with vision loss can continue to lead a full life. Assistive technology means you don’t have to stop working so you can continue enjoying the same hobbies.
For instance for one patient, Marija has also facilitated access to understanding funding for transport assistance, so she can make future clinic appointments without great expense.
Guidance and support available at the LEI
Marija can help people navigate areas such as:
- Financial help/funding and benefits available
- Counselling and coming to terms with vision loss
- Psychologists to help support emotional well-being
- The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- The My Aged Care System
- Disability employment services, Job Access and the Employment Assistance Fund
- VisAbility services such as Orthoptist, Orientation and Mobility, Assistive Technology, Occupational Therapy, Exercise Physiology, Speech Therapy and Dietetics
- Low vision training courses for people with vision impairment, such as Braille classes, their carers or employers.
- Liaising with opthalmologist/optometrist as appropriate
- Advocating on people’s behalf to government departments and employers
- Community group connections.
How to get support
Please complete the form below to make an initial enquiry about the low vision services and support we can provide. Our Client Experience Team will contact you to discuss your individual needs both now and into the future.
If you are a provider and wish to refer a client, please use our low vision medical certificate (online referral form) to make your referral.