World Sight Day and The Greenlane Low Vision Clinic Explained

Developed by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about blindness and the importance of eye health, World Sight Day was held this year on the 9th October. Events happen around the world and in Auckland, the Low Vision Clinic held an Expo at Greenlane Hospital for the public. MDNZ attended alongside other eye health organisations. We distributed Amsler Grids and patient information, playing our part in promoting the key message of the importance of regular eye checks.

Sandy Grant, Low Vision Coordinator at the Greenlane Clinical Centre, explains what the Clinic does and how it can be of help.

Have you been diagnosed recently with AMD and are starting to find the odd everyday chore such as cutting vegetables, pouring a cup of tea or beginning to struggle with reading books or your mobile? Or perhaps you have lived with AMD for some time and are noticing a decline in your vision that may affect driving, mobility and your job? You may find great benefit in being referred to the Low Vision Clinic at Greenlane Clinical Centre. Initially, you may receive a telehealth call and subsequently be seen by an experienced Low Vision Therapist and/or Optometrist. 

Our role is to help you maximize your residual vision through low vision aids, prescribed optical aids, strategies, information and initiating appropriate community referrals. Assessment can identify your needs, safety concerns while trialling both optical and non-optical options such as lighting, glare control and magnification or demonstrating basic mobility and adaptive living techniques which are covered as required.  Many aids are available for purchase should you choose to.

As long as you have a diagnosed or combination of diagnosed eye conditions a referral that includes current eye information, can be made through your GP, Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, Eye Department clinical staff, Geriatrician, and community agencies such as MDNZ. An early introduction to applying low vision strategies and appropriate aids sets you up for smoother transition should your vision deteriorate.