An “Australian-first report” uses evidence to highlight the need to improve access to aids and technologies so that the 100,000 older Australians with vision loss and blindness can achieve greater social engagement, independence and quality of life.
‘Low Vision, quality of life and independence: A review of the evidence on aids and technologies’ was produced by Macular Disease Foundation Australia in collaboration with The George Institute for Global Health.
The report calls for increased investment in research to accurately quantify the impact low vision aids, technologies and services can have on quality of life and independence for people with low vision and blindness, particularly new technologies.
Additionally it calls for the establishment of a nationally funded, accessible, affordable and consistent low vision aids and equipment program to replace the current state/territory government programs.
…the major barrier to accessing low vision aids
in Australia was cost
Finally, it calls for financial support for aids, demonstrated to improve quality of life for people with functional vision loss, to be established in private health insurance policies.
Cost a Major Barrier
The report found that the major barrier to accessing low vision aids in Australia was cost. Other barriers include highly fragmented services, inadequate referral pathways and inadequate co-management plans between eye care practitioners and low vision services, along with poor consumer information and knowledge regarding services.
Julie Heraghty, CEO of Macular Disease Foundation Australia, the national body representing people with macular disease said, “Low vision aids ranging from a simple magnifier or specialised lighting, through to adaptive technology, can transform the lives of people with sight loss, helping them to live fulfilling, independent lives. Currently, the vast majority of people in Australia with sight loss have great difficulty affording or accessing these aids. This needs to change.
“While successive governments are to be commended for subsidising registered sight saving drugs to avoid vision loss, unfortunately many older Australians who are vision impaired or blind, are repeatedly missing out on the support they most need – low vision aids and technologies”.
Ms. Heraghty said recommendations proposed in the report are “financially achievable”. She said the Foundation would urge the new Minister for Health, Mr. Greg Hunt, to provide older Australians, who are ineligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, with the funding and support needed.
Initial cost estimates of a federally funded program presented by Macular Disease Foundation Australia indicate that the cost of implementation and evaluation could be as little at AU$30 million per year with a suggested annual allowance of between $667 and $2,400 per person per annum depending on vision assessment.
