Southern Low Vision

23/02/2026

Sharing some information about an upcoming Geelong-based swimming classification session, run by Swimming Victoria, for people with disabilities. Read on!
🏊‍♂️

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxwtByVUbrqnPSDHjyr9EYh6ZTI0Usx4OayI9ffiQlTNtZ8g/viewform?pli=1

Norlane Aquatic and Recreation Centre are excited to be hosting Swimming Victoria's next classification weekend for swimmers with disability in Geelong (the first to be held in a regional area).

As part of the weekend they will also be facilitating an info session for coaches, learn to swim providers, schools and allied health professionals; all of whom play an important role in engaging people with disability in the sport of swimming.

Allied health teams provide the reports and assessments needed to obtain classification and form a basis for the individual's classification process.

They wish to invite you to this info session and ask can you please also share amongst your networks. They hope to have as many attend as possible.

Date: 14 March
Time: 12.30 - 2.30pm
Venue: Norlane ARC, Cox Rd Norlane
Cost: FREE

Registrations can occur using the above LINK.

The session will include presentations from Jeremy O'Sullivan Swimming Australia Para Swimming Development Manager and Travis Zimmer Leisure Networks Disability Inclusion Sport Coordinator. An opportunity to learn about the pathways available for people with disability, what classification means and the inclusive behaviours that will support people with disability to participate in the sport of swimming.

If you require further info please don't hesitate to reach out to Jess, via the details below.

Jess O'Brien
Sport Development Officer, Monday to Thursday

T +61 (03) 9230 9400 or 0422 152 802
E jessica.obrien@vic.swimming.org.au

Swimming is one of the few sports that requires minimal adjustments for people with disability to take part. Learn more about the swimming pathways available, what classification means and the inclusive behaviours required to support people with disability to participate in the sport of swimming. As...

08/01/2026

A great time was had delivering the low vision service presentations and aid displays at Deakin University's School of Optometry today. 👁

01/01/2026

As the new year has commenced, we'd like to thank you again for your ongoing support and wish you all the best in whatever you hope to do this year. Southern Low Vision is looking forward to another year of helping you reach some of those goals!
👁🎉👁

21/12/2025

Final low vision assessment outcome for the year!

Another happy client, who will be able to return to her favourite hobby: watercolour painting.

'Mrs V' has advanced Age Related Macular Degeneration in one eye but only early vision loss in the other.

A simple solution here, when Your's Truly: our Orthoptist matched this type of aid to her needs and remaining eyesight. This means lots more painting fun for 'Mrs V' before and after Christmas!

That's it for us for the year, but thanks so much again for your support and Merry Christmas! 🎅

*Back in 2026 to do it all again from January 9th!
👁🎄👁

16/12/2025

At this point in time, as we are all booked up and nearly at the end of our 10th year in action, we'd like to say a huge thanks to everyone for yet another great year of support!

We've made more differences to quite a few more individuals with our Orthoptist: Julie assessing their remaining eyesight and recommending strategies for using remaining vision, and/or providing reading or distance vision aids, in the presence of 'uncorrectable' vision loss. 👁🔍

Wishing you all a wonderful, safe and relaxing Christmas break. We'll see you in 2026. We are starting back with bookings from January 9th.
🎉🌲🎉
Merry Christmas and enjoy your time with family and friends! 🎅

04/12/2025

It is International Day of People With a Disability. Working with people who have vision impairment(s), l am constantly reminded of the fact that this type of disability is often not visible to others. So many may not quite understand what the person is experiencing.

Most of the people l assess have some remaining vision which l can work with, hence often won't present the way people might expect: with a Guide Dog or white cane. (Even those with Guide Dogs or white canes will often have some vision remaining).

'Mrs T' (whom l saw this week) is an example of someone who doesn't appear 'vision impaired' but still needed some help. Aged 99, plus being supported at home by family, she was struggling to read newsprint due to moderate Age Related Macular Degeneration.

A simple Orthoptic Low Vision Assessment helped determine she could read again with the right aid, to be used in addition to her newest glasses. A great Christmas present for her. 🎁

P.s. On my journey, l was also lucky enough to see the latest colourful upgrade of the Moriac General Store (built in 1925)! 🥧

01/12/2025

Christmas is coming... ! 🎄🎅
Yes, it is that time of the year again!

A gift in the form of a low vision aid might just help a loved one, but it needs to be selected after a low vision assessment.

Just for your planning purposes, we are therefore letting you know that (at this stage) the final possible day for an assessment in December 2025 will be Monday 22nd.

We open up appointments again after the break from Friday January 9th.

So, hop to it, if you see the need to book in
with our Orthoptist, as spots are filling fast. 🎁👁

12/11/2025

✨ In celebration of Genetic Counsellor Awareness Day, we’re spotlighting Lisa Kearns, Research Genetic Counsellor and Orthoptist, who works with people affected by inherited eye diseases. ✨

Lisa also focuses on Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare mitochondrial disorder that leads to sudden central vision loss. Her work raises awareness and helps people navigate diagnosis with confidence.

🔺 Why is raising LHON awareness so important?

“Many people may be unfamiliar with LHON, which can delay diagnosis. Sudden vision loss can have a major, life-changing impact. Raising awareness improves understanding and reduces misconceptions, ensuring earlier recognition and timely connection to low-vision services, support networks and research. It also can help maternally related family members who may worry about their vision loss risk to manage emotions such as fear, anxiety or guilt.

“Genetic counselling supports individuals and families to work through these feelings, understand their personal risk and discuss lifestyle, environmental and other factors that may trigger vision loss. It also provides an opportunity to explore family planning options, including emerging mitochondrial donation techniques that can help women reduce the risk of passing on the condition. This enables families to make informed decisions about their future.”

🔺 How do you support and empower people impacted by inherited eye conditions?

“Living with an inherited eye condition can bring many emotions and uncertainties. Support focuses on helping people navigate these challenges and find ways to cope and adapt. It helps individuals and families understand their diagnosis, talk through options for genetic testing and consider what it may mean for other family members, including family planning choices.

“We also connect people with low-vision services, practical aids and technology, mental health resources, peer or community groups and guidance on opportunities such as clinical trials or treatments. All to empower people to make informed choices and live life to the fullest.”

🔺 What advice would you give to someone who has just received diagnosis of an inherited eye disease or is concerned about their genetic risk?

“It can feel overwhelming. A referral for genetic counselling can help people understand their situation and genetic risk, and connect them with support. You're not alone in navigating this journey.”

🔺 What excites you about the future?

“Years ago, patients with an inherited eye disease were often told nothing could be done. Today, advances in genetic testing and research are helping us understand these conditions better – improving diagnosis and care, and creating more opportunities for clinical trials.

“It’s also wonderful to see the growing connection between researchers, clinicians and patients – driving change and ensuring lived experiences help shape future research, treatment development and supporting families.”