Patient Information Sheet
About Low Vision Services and Referral
Macular Disease Foundation Australia
mdfoundation.com.au
Glaucoma Australia
glaucoma.org.au
Vision Australia
visionaustralia.org
What is Glaucoma Australia?
Our vision is for Australians to be free of glaucoma blindness and our primary focus is to save sight by increasing early detection and improving treatment adherence.
Our patient support journey is aligned to a collaborative care model and is the key to saving sight for the 300,000 Australians impacted by glaucoma. All service provision and research is framed around finding the 50% of people who are currently undiagnosed and supporting those already diagnosed.
Glaucoma Australia (GA) is the peak eye health charity and primary referral source for people with glaucoma, people at risk of glaucoma, eye health care professionals, the ophthalmic industry and community.
Our vision is for Australians to be free of glaucoma blindness and our primary focus is to save sight by increasing early detection and improving treatment adherence.
Our patient support journey is aligned to a collaborative care model and is the key to saving sight for the 300,000 Australians impacted by glaucoma. All service provision and research is framed around finding the 50% of people who are currently undiagnosed and supporting those already diagnosed.
What services does Glaucoma Australia provide?
To increase glaucoma DETECTION
GA promote ongoing awareness campaigns designed to drive ‘at risk’ testing by an optometrist every 2 years from age 50 or 40 for those with a family history of glaucoma. The primary aim is to find and diagnose people with glaucoma before preventable but irreversible sight life has occurred.
To DEFEAT glaucoma blindness
GA provide a free patient education and support service which is tailored to specific stages.
Stage 1 – Suspected diagnosis
Stage 2 – Confirmed Initial diagnosis
Stage 3 – First 12 months post diagnosis
Stage 4 – Living with Glaucoma
GA work to ‘save sight’ by providing best practice Glaucoma disease information, education, support and research on:GA work to ‘save sight’ by providing best practice Glaucoma disease information, education, support and research on:
- Appointment and treatment
– options
– requirements
– adherence
- Peer support
– phone
– social media
– face-to-face
- Monthly news
- Update to date website
- Diet and lifestyle advice
- Health professional advice
- Ongoing research
How to live with low vision
1) Tips for Coping with Low Vision
http://whatislowvision.org/low-vision-care/tips-for-coping-with-low-vision/
2) Living with Low Vision
https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/content/living-low-vision-2
3) Living with Vision Loss
https://visionloss.org.au/living-with-vision-loss/
4) A Self-Help Guide to Nonvisual Skills
http://www.mdsupport.org/guide.pdf
5) Roadmap to Living with Vision Loss
https://visionaware.org/everyday-living/roadmap-to-living-with-vision-loss/
6) Vision loss – safety around the home
7) At a glance: Low Vision
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/low-vision
Glaucoma Australia
Contact Details
National Helpline: 1800 500 880
Website: www.glaucoma.org.au
Email: [email protected]
www.facebook.com/glaucoma.australia/