Clinical Services - (Metropolitan)

Services by Clinic

 ::  Disability Services

The Victorian College of Optometry established a new clinical service division in 1997 called Disability Services to provide optometric services to people with intellectual, physical, sensory and/or multiple disabilities.

People with disabilities may have complex optometric problems and need specialist optometric services. They are usually on low incomes or are recipients of government support for financial and other services and may have difficulty accessing optometric care.

There are two divisions in the Disability Services. The first is a Disability Clinic which was set up within the Carlton Clinic. The second division is a Visiting Disability Service which was established to provide optometric care off-site to individuals with disabilities. This eliminates difficulties with transport and often patients respond better when examined in familiar surroundings.

Services
Specialist optometric assessment:

• possible even if the patient is nonverbal
• use charts, matching techniques, pictures, looking cards to measure vision
• even if the patient does not follow instructions, it is possible to assess whether the patient has a significant spectacle prescription, whether the eyes coordinate and move well together and whether the eyes are healthy.  

After establishing a patient's level of visual functioning, we try to relate it into practical terms. This information can be useful for training programs with people with disabilities and for trying to maximise their vision.

Patients are referred if they require further treatment to their eyes.

Optometrists Association Australia has a list of optometrists who perform domicilliary visits if less than 4 people require a home assessment at one site. These optometrists do not have access to the Victorian Eyecare Scheme but may still offer low prices for spectacles.

Eligibility
Any person of any age holding a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card who has an intellectual, physical, sensory and/or multiple disability whether present from birth or acquired (eg after a stroke, head injury) may access the Disability Services.

No referral is required unless you are under the care of another eye care practitioner.

Please telephone the Melbourne Optometry Clinic on 9349 7455 to arrange an appointment, or look at the other options for arranging an appointment.

Additional Information
All requests for information should be directed to
Mr Piers Carozzi
Manager of Disability Services
Telephone: 9349 7400
j.caulfield@ vco.org.au

Additional information for referring practitioners is also available.