Low Vision Services

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 options are exhausted. 

The Australian College of Optometry provides optometrists to low vision clinics throughout Victoria and Souther NSW in partnership with Vision Australia.  These low vision clinics are co-ordinated by and run at Vision Australia offices.  The Low Vision Clinics are staffed by a multidisciplinary team who provide a wide range of assistance to those with visual impairment.

• Occupational Therapists - to assist with daily living activities eg. writing, pouring, cooking, telephone and money
• Orthoptists - to assist with lighting advice, ergonomic issues, aids training, field assessment and eccentric viewing
• Welfare officers - to assist with application for concessions, counselling, groups, linkage with local government services
• Orientation & mobility instructors - to assist with moving around safely and independently, to assist with mobility devices

The services provided are free of charge although any assistive devices prescribed are paid for by the patient.  Low vision clinics do not provide primary care services.  The ACO Clinics provide primary care for eligible patients.

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

• Consultations are either charged directly to Medicare or paid for by a government grant.
• All low vision aids are supplied at a reasonable cost.
• Glasses 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 or at least 6 months, you may be eligible for subsidised spectacles.