Leading blindness and low vision service provider Vision Australia has encouraged Wagga residents concerned about vision loss to act sooner, rather than later. 

The not-for-profit organisation, which supports more than 26,000 people nationally, offers specialist services to support those who are blind or have low vision to live active, safe and independent lives. 

Focussing on the four key areas of independence: employment, education and social inclusion. Vision Australia Murrumbidgee Hume regional business manager Helen Vey, said the organisation is there to support anybody living with vision loss, regardless of circumstance. 

“Our aim is to support people from the blind or low vision community to live the life they choose and our clients are always at the centre of what we do,” Ms Vey said. 

In Wagga, Vision Australia offers a range of different support services but the key to making services as effective as possible is timing. 

“Coming to terms with vision loss can be a challenge for some people and as a result they often try to continue on as if nothing has changed,” Ms Vey said. 

“What we want is for people to come to us as soon as they notice a change. Our strategies are effective in supporting people, but whether it’s learning to use a white cane, becoming familiar with a piece of adaptive technology or making home moderations, the earlier somebody starts that process the more impact it will have.”