Vision Australia Conflicting Health Conditions - Low Vision ICDM Forum April 30 th 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 Warragul (03) see back of the large print contact card Send/fax S2S eReferral

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 see back of the large print contact card Fax: equipment solutions, resources, fact sheets, links to other resources