Australia’s blind and low vision population is set to climb to more than 564,000 in the next eight years.
Figures from Vision Australia show the blind and low vision community in Australia number more than half a million in 2030, with factors such as our ageing population playing a key role in the rise.
However, living with blindness or low vision doesn’t have to be a barrier to a full, active and independent life.
In an effort to highlight this, Vision Australia has recently launched their new book ‘Let’s Talk About Vision Loss’ featuring stories about some of their most inspiring clients to help shine a light on life after being diagnosed with a vision condition.
One inspiring client featured is Tony, a well-known Australian television chef who appeared throughout his career on over 100 television networks. After losing his vision, Tony had pivoted his life and career significantly, but has continued to maintain his passion for cooking regardless.
With the right services and training from Vision Australia, Tony has been able to regain his independence and is now cooking again from his collection of 500 recipes, as well as helping others who are blind or have low vision learn how to cook.
“I discovered a new way of cooking and realised there’s nothing we can’t do,” Tony said.
Head of Government Relations at Vision Australia, Chris Edwards, said resources like this book are an essential part of providing those who are blind or have low vision with real life support after their diagnosis – a valid step in helping them regain critical emotional, financial, and social independence.
"This resource has been designed to provide people with the opportunity to hear from those who have actually gone through the experience of being diagnosed with a vision condition and the emotions and challenges that can bring,” Chris said.
“Learning of such a diagnosis can be a very isolating experience and we want people to know they’re not alone in what they’re going through. The other thing we really want people to understand is the breadth of supports that are available.
“Often people are left not knowing where or how they can get help, but the earlier they can reach out, the more impact services like ours will have.”
Let’s Talk About Vision Loss can be listened to at https://www.visionaustralia.org/letstalk, or a hard copy can be ordered from https://www.visionaustralia.org/letstalk/order