Ruqayyah Snyder
Blindness and low vision services in Australia are in high demand, with an estimated 453,000-575,000 people living with blindness or vision impairment. This number is expected to increase to 564,000 by 2030, with over 70% of those affected being over the age of 65. Despite the significant proportion of the population affected, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the provision of blindness and low vision services. This gap in information highlights the need for up-to-date statistics to ensure that the blind community receives the necessary support to maintain their independence and actively participate in their communities. The available data suggests that Aboriginal people are more likely to experience vision loss, and one out of every 2,500 children born in Australia will be diagnosed with severe vision loss. With more than half of Australians suffering from long-term vision disorders, it is important to raise awareness about the impact of vision loss and the availability of support services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total blind people in Australia | 453,000-575,000 |
| Blind people in Australia as a percentage of the population | 0.6% |
| Blind people over the age of 65 in Australia | >70% |
| Blind people under the age of 18 in Australia | 1 out of every 2,500 children |
| Total people with a vision disorder in Australia | 13 million |
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What You'll Learn
Blindness and low vision services in Australia
Australia has an estimated blind population of over 575,000, with more than 70% over the age of 65 and over 66,000 people who are completely blind. Vision Australia, a leading national provider of blindness and low vision services, estimates a slightly lower number of 453,000 people in Australia who are blind or have low vision. They project this number to grow to 564,000 by 2030.
Vision Australia offers a wide range of services to support people with blindness and low vision, including funding options, technology, and one-on-one support. They also provide emotional support groups and peer support to help people cope with the challenges of vision loss and regain their independence. Vision Australia also has a library with audio and braille books, magazines, and podcasts that are accessible to people with print disabilities, such as dyslexia.
NextSense is another organisation that specialises in vision impairment, offering tailored programs for children and families. They maintain the Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register (ACVIR), which helps build an accurate picture of childhood vision loss across Australia and identifies the necessary supports for children and their families.
To address the unique needs of individuals with blindness or low vision, Vision Australia tailors its services and support accordingly. They offer assistance with daily tasks, school, work, and leisure activities. Their specialists in therapy, mobility, and daily living provide expert care to help people live life on their terms.
With the significant reforms in disability and aged care currently underway across Australia, reliable data on blindness and low vision services is crucial to ensure that affected individuals are supported to remain independent and empowered to participate in their communities.
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Vision impairment in Australian children
Vision impairment in children can have a significant impact on their neurobehavioural development and quality of life. It is estimated that one out of every 2,500 children born in Australia will be diagnosed with severe vision loss. However, these figures are not exact, and there is limited data on childhood vision impairment in Australia. To address this, NextSense maintains the Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register (ACVIR), which collects detailed data on Australian children with vision impairment (VI) and co-morbidities. ACVIR provides valuable insights into the prevalence and characteristics of childhood VI in Australia.
The most common primary diagnoses among Australian children with VI are retinal dystrophy (17%), CVI (15%), and Albinism (11%). A secondary diagnosis of infantile nystagmus occurred in 33% of children, and additional disabilities and/or developmental delays were reported in 44% of cases. Moderate visual impairment is the most common, with 75% of children having corrected binocular visual acuity.
Early intervention is crucial for children with vision impairment. NextSense offers tailored programs and services for children and families affected by vision loss. They provide specialist functional vision assessments to determine the level of a child's vision and vision development and work with families to develop strategies. NextSense also offers orientation and mobility (O&M) training, which helps individuals with vision loss move safely and independently in their environment. The earlier these skills are introduced, the more confident and independent the child will become in navigating their surroundings.
Low vision orthoptists are qualified allied eye health professionals who can provide personalised support and clinical assessments to determine the extent of a child's low vision. They can prescribe specialised glasses, magnifiers, or electronic devices to optimise the child's remaining vision and improve their functionality in daily life. Additionally, emotional support groups and one-on-one peer support can help children and their families cope with the challenges of vision loss and promote independence.
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Causes of vision loss in children
It is estimated that there are over 575,000 people who are blind or visually impaired in Australia, with more than 70% over the age of 65. Vision loss in children can be caused by a variety of factors, some present from birth, while others develop during childhood.
Causes of Vision Loss Present at Birth
Congenital conditions such as albinism, congenital cataracts, and underdevelopment of the optic nerve can cause vision problems, including blindness. Genetic causes, such as metabolic disorders or chromosome abnormalities like Down syndrome, can also lead to congenital cataracts. Premature birth is associated with eye issues like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which can result in vision loss. Glaucoma, characterised by fluid buildup that damages the optic nerve, can also be present at birth or develop in early childhood.
Eye Problems that Develop in Childhood
Amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye," is a condition where vision fails to develop normally in one eye. It is caused by underlying issues such as strabismus (eye misalignment) or refractive errors. Strabismus itself can be caused by poor muscle strength in the eye, and it can lead to amblyopia if left untreated. Refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, occur when light is not focused properly on the retina, causing blurred vision. These refractive errors can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Trauma and Medical Issues
Direct trauma to the eye, such as a fall or an accidental poke, can cause vision loss. Additionally, medical issues like eye infections and cancer can contribute to vision loss. Retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer, primarily affects children under the age of five and can lead to vision impairment.
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Support services for blind people in Australia
There are an estimated 453,000 to 575,000 people in Australia who are blind or have low vision. Over 70% of this population is aged 65 and above. This number is expected to grow to 564,000 by 2030.
Several organisations in Australia provide support services for blind people. Here are some of them:
Vision Australia
Vision Australia is the leading national provider of personalised technology, services, and information for anyone experiencing or supporting those with vision loss. They offer a range of services, including:
- Funding options
- Technology
- One-on-one support
- Emotional support groups and peer support
- Low vision orthoptists: Allied eye health professionals who provide clinical assessments and prescribe specialised glasses, magnifiers, or electronic devices.
- Trek for Vision's Great Ocean Walk: A fundraising event where participants trek up to 37 km, with the funds raised supporting Vision Australia's Seeing Eye Dogs Youth Program.
NextSense
NextSense specialises in vision impairment, offering tailored programs for children and families. They provide:
- Orientation and mobility (O&M) support: Helping people with vision loss move safely and independently through their environment, using assistive devices and technologies.
- Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register (ACVIR): A national register of children with significant vision loss, helping identify the support needs of children and their families.
Blind Citizens Australia (BCA)
BCA is a community dedicated to informing, empowering, and advocating for the rights of blind or vision-impaired people in Australia. They have a weekly radio show, New Horizons, which covers topics relevant to people with vision loss.
Beyond Blindness
Beyond Blindness provides support services for blind or vision-impaired people in South Australia. They aim to enhance their quality of life, provide accommodation support, and manage finances for service longevity.
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The impact of vision loss on daily life
Vision loss can have a significant impact on daily life, affecting mobility, independence, and quality of life. In Australia, it is estimated that there are over 575,000 people living with blindness or vision impairment, with more than 70% over the age of 65. This condition can be caused by various eye conditions, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and trachoma, which is prevalent in remote Aboriginal communities.
Social isolation is another consequence of vision loss, resulting from loss of mobility or depression. Connecting with support groups and peer support can help individuals cope with the emotional aspects of vision loss and prevent social isolation. It is important for individuals to learn to advocate for themselves and adapt to maintain their independence.
Vision loss can also impact an individual's ability to work, leading to lost earnings and potentially affecting their family. However, with the right support and information, it is possible to live independently and continue engaging in enjoyable activities. Low vision orthoptists can provide clinical assessments and prescribe specialized aids or electronic devices to improve functionality in everyday life.
Vision disorders have a significant economic impact in Australia, costing an estimated A$9.85 billion in 2004, including direct health system costs and indirect costs such as lost earnings and welfare payments. Preventing avoidable vision loss and treating eye diseases early are crucial to reducing the economic and personal burden of vision loss in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that there are over 575,000 people who are blind or vision-impaired currently living in Australia, with more than 70% over the age of 65. More than half of the population has a long-term vision disorder, and this number is expected to grow to 564,000 by 2030.
Approximately 0.6% of the population has complete or partial blindness.
It is estimated that one out of every 2,500 children born in Australia will be diagnosed with severe vision loss, but these figures are not exact.
