Clinical Services - (Metropolitan)

Services by Clinic

 ::  Low Vision Clinics

The Low Vision Clinics can help you to make the best use of your remaining vision when it is subnormal, particularly when medical or surgical treatment and glasses are no longer satisfactory.

Fourteen Low Vision Clinics operate throughout Victoria and NSW. These Clinics are run by the Vision Australia in partnership with the Victorian College of Optometry and the Melbourne University Department of Ophthalmology.

Services
The Low Vision Clinics are staffed by a multidisciplinary team who provide a wide range of assistance to those with visual impairment. All patients attending the Low Vision Clinic are assessed by an optometrist to determine the patient's current level of visual function and to review whether new glasses or magnifiers may assist the person. Any magnifiers that may assist are loaned to the patient for a trial period. Other staff available in the clinic including

• Occupational Therapist - to assist with daily living activities eg. writing, pouring, cooking, telephone, money etc.
• Orthoptist - to assist with lighting advice, ergonomic issues, aids training, field assessment and eccentric viewing
• Welfare Officer - to assist with application for concessions, counselling, groups, linkage with local government services
• Orientation & Mobility Instructor - to assist with moving around safely and independently, to assist with mobility devices
• Audiology - to assist with hearing assessment

The services provided are free of charge although any assistive devices prescribed are paid for the the patient.

Vision Australia Foundation provides other services for those with vision difficulties including

• a Braille and Talking Book Library
• a radio station for print handicapped people (1179 AM)
• day centres and other group activities
• nursing homes
• telephone support programs
• technology services

Please consult the list of low vision clinics for the nearest loaction.

Costs
Consultations

• Consultations are either charged directly to Medicare or paid for by a government grant.

Visual Aids

• All low vision aids are supplied at a reasonable cost.
• Spectacles and frames are also available if necessary. The clinics do not offer dispensing services for prescriptions supplied by other practitioners.
• If you have a Pensioner Concession Card or have held a Health Care Card for at least 6 months, you may be eligible for subsidised visual aids.

Eligibility
You can be referred to the Low Vision Clinics by your ophthalmologist or optometrist. If you feel you may benefit from a Low Vision Clinic assessment then discuss a referral with your ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Referrals are normally provided in writing and should be addressed to:

Clinic Coordinator
Kooyong Low Vision Clinic
454 Glenferrie Road
Kooyong 3144

Additional Information
All requests for information should be directed to
Ms Jennifer Caulfield
Head of Low Vision Services
Telephone: 9349 7400

Additional information for referring practitioners is also available.