Vision Australia has opened a new support centre in Epping. Located at Suite 2a, Ground Floor, 3 Carlingford Road, Epping, the new location will bring improved services for Sydney residents living with vision loss in the northern parts of Sydney.
People like, Mia Armsworth, 16, from Wahroonga who has the whole world ahead of her. With a love of travel, Mia intends to experience it all.
When Mia was just four years old, her mum Sue was told by specialists that her little girl has an hereditary vision condition called Macular Atrophy. It is similar to Macular Degeneration. Mia’s central vision is poor and she has to rely on her peripheral sight.
“If I’m looking across a street, I can make out if someone is waving to me, but I can’t see who it is,” said Mia.
Sue, Mia and the family have been supported by Vision Australia since diagnosis.
“Vision Australia has helped me with so much. Not just with my vision condition. I have had support with other areas of life. At their school holiday sessions, I learn different skills, such new technology and cooking, and I meet up with others who are experiencing similar things. It has made a big difference,” said Mia.
According to Sue, Vision Australia has helped the family be aware of what Mia might need in the future and has help to prepare them for what comes next.
“I attended an NDIS seminar at Vision Australia in June. It was really good. I feel more informed about the scheme and know Vision Australia has the expertise to guide Mia and I through the process,” said Sue.
“Mia is starting to take the lead in planning her own life and for me, as her mum, I feel confident that Vision Australia is a great organisation to help her do that.”
The new support centre will be officially opened by Damien Tudehope, State MP for Epping on Wednesday 13 July at 11am, Suite 2a, Ground Floor, 3 Carlingford Road, Epping. Mia will speak to guests at the event about her own experiences with vision loss.
“Epping is much closer to Wahroonga. It’s more convenient and accessible to call in and get support. It will be really helpful,” said Mia.
Brendan McMahon, Regional Manager Sydney North and North West, said everyone is excited about the new site.
“It is good news to be opening a new service centre in an area where we know that demand for our service is growing,” said Mr. McMahon.
For those familiar with Vision Australia’s current location in Enfield, rest assured that this location will remain.
“The site in Epping is in addition to our current facility at Enfield,” said Mr. McMahon. “Vision loss is becoming more prevalent in our society, and the Epping facility enables us to meet this increasing demand and help more people from the North and North West of Sydney.”
In addition to clients being welcome at the centre it is also a more convenient location for staff to be able to get out and visit people in their own homes or wherever else they may choose.
“We are looking forward to becoming a part of the local community and hope our new building is warm and welcoming to all,” he said.