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About low vision.

Learn more about eye health, the various types of low vision, and how to interact with people who have low vision.
A young child with their mother seated on the ground. The mother is holding the child from behind and looking at her child. The child is looking at the camera smiling.

On this page:

Understanding types of low vision

Low vision or blindness can be present from birth, develop over time, or occur as a result of illness or injury. A significant change in vision or ongoing low vision can greatly affect our independence and mobility.

While the right supports and training can minimise the impact of a change in vision, maintaining good eye health reduces the risk of vision loss in later life. Frequent examinations can allow for early detection and treatment; 75% of vision loss in Australia is preventable.

Learn more about the human eye

Learn more about types of low vision

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How to guide someone with blindness or low vision

People with low vision sometimes require assistance to move through certain situations. The aim of providing guidance is to support a person so they can travel safely, confidently and efficiently.

There are a variety of guiding practices that apply to different scenarios. From assisting a person with low vision in general, to more specific practical situations like getting into a car, navigating an escalator, or interacting in different workplaces, the following techniques will ensure effective, safe and comfortable interactions.

Get to know the guiding techniques
A person using their white cane at the train station while being guided by a train station attendant.

Apply for a service

If you are hoping to access support for someone you know, we welcome referrals from friends, family members, and a wide range of health professionals.

For more information on accessing support services, training programs, or to start improving or regaining your independence:


Referrer Details









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Your Details:
Client/Student Details:








Please enter Date of Birth in DD/MM/YYYY Format Ex: 25/12/1980 for 25th of December 1980.




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Address: 











NDIS Details
Knowing a bit more about your NDIS Plan will help us process your referral more efficiently. You can tell us more about your Plan below. This is optional and you can provide as much or as little information as you like.
Knowing a bit more about the clients NDIS Plan will help us process the referral more efficiently. You can tell us more about the Plan below. This is optional and you can provide as much or as little information as you like.






Funding Agency Details
Knowing a bit more about your funding will help us process your referral more efficiently. This is optional and you can provide as much or as little information as you like.
Knowing a bit more about the clients funding will help us process the referral more efficiently. This is optional and you can provide as much or as little information as you like.





E.g. Medical Documents, Vision Condition Information
Additional Details







Please enter Date in DD/MM/YYYY Format
Please provide details of their vision status:











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