The Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) has confirmed that Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has decided to withdraw funding from the service.
In a statement to mivision, CFEH General Manager Sarah Holland said Guide Dogs “currently provides a range of direct services to support those who are blind or low vision as well as providing funding for some services in the community”.
“Based on the priorities for 2030 and beyond, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has made the decision to move away from funding one of those services (the Centre for Eye Health) over time, to focus on our other services.
“As a result, CFEH has begun consulting with other key stakeholders to work through what form the future service may take.”
… operations will continue as normal whilst we work with our stakeholders to find alternative options
Ms Holland said discussions have already begun with the University of New South Wales (UNSW). UNSW is “looking into their options to continue aspects of the Centre for Eye Health services”, she said.
CFEH provides advanced diagnostic and disease management services to patients in NSW, and is located on the grounds of UNSW at Kensington, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Ms Holland said referrers will be notified of the initial change, “which will simply see transfer of care for our stable patients”.
“Beyond this, operations will continue as normal whilst we work with our stakeholders to find alternative options,” Ms Holland said.
