Queenslanders with vision loss urged to seek early support amid report findings

Data from Guide Dogs’ 2024 Social Impact Report unveils four in five (78%) of their White Cane usersor Guide Dog Handlers are more independent when getting out and about, while nearly three-quarters (71%) feel more positiveabout the future due to this support. Vision loss can happen to anyone, so Guide Dogs Queensland is highlighting the importance ofearly intervention, this International White Cane Day (15 October).
In Queensland, there are approximately 12,000 people living with blindness and an additional 127,000 who have moderate to severevision loss
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. However, with global vision loss projected to increase by over half (55%) by 2050
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, it’s important to also address thechallenges faced by those experiencing changes to their vision.
The deterioration of a person’s vision can lead to increased challenges as a loss of depth perception and impaired visual fieldsincreases the risk of accidents, falls, injury, poor mental health, cognitive deficits, and social isolation
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.Guide Dogs Queensland CEO, Jock Beveridge
, says it’s important that people experiencing changes to their vision know that theydon’t need to wait to seek support services.
“People who are referred to us often have a misunderstanding of who qualifies for support, saying that they thought they needed tobe completely blind, or even thought they were too old to use support services such as ours.
“In fact, we encourage people to reach out as soon as they receive a diagnosis, so we can help them navigate this challenging timeand support them in whichever way they need.
The earlier you are introduced to strategies and solutions to help with your dailyactivities, the easier they are to learn and remember.”
Studies show the consistent role early intervention plays in various aspects of a child with vision loss’ development, such as increasedinterest in going out, increased interaction with other children and people, and interest in learning about new things, highlightinghow crucial early steps are in providing the foundation for long-term independence and quality of life
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.The White Cane is the most commonly used aid for people living with low vision or blindness – with over 5,500 users in Queensland –and is the first tool introduced before being matched with a Guide Dog. The full spectrum of support available for those experiencingvision loss is accessible to people at all stages of their journey, and includes both practical and psychological services. However, thosewho are eligible for support may sadly be missing out due to a lack of awareness about available resources, societal stigma orpersonal reluctance.
“From early childhood services, counselling and peer support to assistive technology training, orientation and mobility training – ourpersonalised support programs go beyond our dog-related services to ensure we can help people at all stages of their journey. Wealso provide support for friends and family members of those going through a change in their vision,” Mr Beveridge explains.
“It doesn’t matter whether someone was born with a vision condition or is experiencing vision loss later in life, Guide DogsQueensland can provide the right level of support for each individual, as no two experiences are the same,” Mr Beveridge says.
Principal Advisor, Access & Engagement at Guide Dogs Queensland, Jeremy Hill,
says the White Cane can be an incrediblypowerful tool to empower independence and improve confidence, especially for someone experiencing low vision for the first time.
“Mobility is a part of every single aspect of life and can easily be taken for granted. From being able to get on a train and travel to work each day, to simply being able to walk to the end of your driveway, everything we do involves some element of physical mobility.“It can be scary if you or a loved one experiences a dramatic change in vision, but tools such as the White Cane can empower people to regain their confidence doing daily activities and regain the ability to live life without restriction. The benefits of being able to get out and about also mean people living with low vision or blindness are able to better participate in society – which we know positively impacts overall wellbeing,” Mr Hill says.With approximately 600 clients across the state, last financial year Guide Dogs Queensland completed over 3,000 appointments across all service delivery areas, including orientation and mobility skills training, occupational therapy, lessons in assistive technology, and psychology support services.The positive impact of these services is profound, with three quarters (73%) of clients able to live the life they want thanks to training and support services delivered by Guide Dogs.This International White Cane Day (15 October), Guide Dogs Queensland is raising awareness of the importance of early and appropriate intervention in improving the independence, capabilities, life skills, and general wellbeing of people with low vision or blindness. Ensuring those experiencing changes to their vision understand what support and guidance is available, such as the White Cane, is crucial in encouraging people to seek early support. To learn more about available support options, visit guidedogsqld.com.au.