Vision impairments
John is a retired associate professor of paediatrics. He has some residual vision and uses an ultracane to get around. He is a member of The Queensland Lawn Bowls for the Blind team.
John is a retired associate professor of paediatrics. He has some residual vision and uses an ultracane to get around. He is a member of the Queensland Lawn Bowls for the Blind team.
John's tips for including someone with a vision impairment in everyday life
"We are usually capable of doing things by ourselves, but offers of help can decrease the anxiety level considerably. Don't be offended if offers of assistance are rejected, they are certainly appreciated. Be aware that two-thirds of communication is non-verbal. Try to be expressive in your speech. Do not be afraid to use language such as 'look' and 'see'. These words are part of the English vocabulary and have meaning for everyone. Remember that just because we have one disability doesn't mean we have a range of them."
Managing a vision impairment - how you can help
- If you are guiding a person with a vision impairment, a child can hold onto two of your fingers, or your wrist. Older children or adults will hold onto the upper arm of the sighted person.
- Do not distract or pat a guide dog when it is wearing its harness as the dog is working and must focus on the requirements and instructions of its handler.
- Make sure you look people with a vision impairment directly in the eyes when speaking to them, especially in groups, as this directs your voice towards them.
- Be aware of the access needs of people with a vision impairment and consider installing tactile indicators when designing premises.
"I was a university teacher and I know that knowledge and understanding is power both for the person with a disability and the community at large."
Key facts about vision impairment
- Not everyone who is blind is completely without vision. Many people have partial or residual vision.
- The five main causes of vision loss are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract, diabetic eye disease and refractive error.
- More than 9.7 million Australians report diseases of the eye.
- Nearly two out of three Australians will eventually develop age-related macular degeneration and one in four will lose some degree of vision.
- Some people with a vision impairment use guide dogs to assist them and others will use canes that help them to use tactile indicators on pathways, and avoid obstacles. The ultracane is an electronic mobility aid that gives people information about obstacles at both path and head height.
Last updated November 2007