Vision Australia Conflicting Health Conditions - Low Vision

ICDM Forum April 30th 2013

Presented by:

Caroline Hocking- Occupational Therapist

Megan Sykes- Social Worker

Vision Australia Warragul

Gippsland Team

Blindness

What do people with vision loss see?

Full vision

Glaucoma

Diabetic retinopathy

Macular degeneration

Cataract

Aging & Vision Loss

Half our Clients are over 79years.

Dual Sensory Loss, Diabetes & Chronic disease

Need for reading glasses

Sensitivity to Glare

Takes longer to adjust to light changes.

Need for more lighting

2x by 40 years, 3x by 60 years, 4x by 80years.

HACC lighting grant-80% of focal lighting needs

.

Principles of Rehabilitation

Four Key Principles

Brighter: Is there enough close light?

Bigger: Can the detail be made bigger?

Bolder: Is there enough contrast?

Other senses: Can I use my other

senses?

Medication- Lighting & Contrast

Administering & Recording Medication

Diabetes Management

Diet & Reading

Footcare

Exercise, mobility & Low Vision

Orientation & Mobility

Orientation to home and surrounds

Safe Walking Routes

Road Crossings

Training in use of canes

Depression & Low Vision

Keeping people active/independent to reduce depression

Supports for adjusting to Vision Loss.

Telelink Service

To reduce social isolation

Interest/recreational groups

Support/social groups

CALD Telelink groups in a range of languages

Self Help Group

Run in various locations across Gippsland for people as support and social opportunity to meet other people with vision loss in local area.

Quality Living Groups

Referrals

Who is Eligible for Services?

Referral to Vision Australia?

Ask your client –

Do you wear glasses?

How long is it since you have had you eyes and/or glasses checked?

Is it ok if I contact Vision Australia? – gain consent

Referrals Who refers?

Self referral / family / friends Optometrists Ophthalmologists GP Other health practitioners You!

Note: always with consent from client

Referral Process

Ring 1300 84 74 66

Warragul (03) 5623 0100Email - see back of the large print

contact card

Send/fax S2S eReferral - 56230130

Re- Referral Needed?

Client may have received services in the past – markings, lamps or

May be receiving talking books, telelinks

BUT

Needs review due to change of vision, circumstances, equipment and services available.

Once service delivery completed, file closed and need for re-referral for further services.

To contact us

1300 84 74 66

5623 0100

Email - see back of the large print contact card

Fax: 5623 0130

www.visionaustralia.orgequipment solutions, resources, fact sheets, links to other resources