The shock of sudden vision loss
Judith’s journey with vision loss began when she was diagnosed with glaucoma at age forty. At the time, eye drops helped manage her condition for decades. However, it wasn’t until later in life that she faced an additional challenge with a new diagnosis of macular degeneration.
Her vision dropped to just 5% overnight, which was a change that shocked and overwhelmed her. But Judith stayed optimistic and, with the help of her medical team and new treatments and surgeries, her vision improved to 34% within nine months.
Beginning the journey with Vision Australia
Judith sought medical help and was referred by her GP to My Aged Care (MAC), which connected her with Vision Australia. This support network has been essential in helping her navigate the challenges of low vision, offering her crucial assistance every step of the way.
MAC recommended starting with a Level 3 Home Care Package (HCP), and Judith has remained at that level ever since. In 2023, she met her Vision Australia Care Manager for the first time. They visited Judith at home to finalise the contracts and share a brochure outlining the services available through the HCP.
One phrase in that brochure, “live the life you choose,” resonated deeply with Judith, especially at a time when she felt her freedom, identity, and rights slipping away. Initially uncertain whether Vision Australia could help her achieve this, she soon realised that they could, and the experience has been “absolutely wonderful” ever since.
The services that made a difference to Judith
Judith’s Level 3 Home Care Package has been a lifeline, offering a range of services that have made a real difference in her everyday health, safety and wellbeing. These include cleaning, meal preparation, gardening, and a personal alarm, but there are three services that Judith particularly loves.
Social support stands out as her favourite, as it has helped her regain a sense of freedom and connection, allowing her to enjoy her passion for the water with some company.
Transport services have also been invaluable, enabling her to get out and about, whether for a walk, a trip to the water, or a coffee at the shops.
Additional Services offered by Vision Australia are a benefit Judith has nothing but praise for. The Occupational Therapist (OT) who visited her early on in her HCP made a lasting, positive impact on her life.
The OT provided practical tips for using everyday items and made a big impact by upgrading the lighting in Judith’s home, transforming it into a bright, daylight-like environment that has significantly reduced her eye strain. The OT also offered a one-hour makeup lesson, which Judith hasn’t tried yet but is glad to know the option is there for the future.
The Importance of a Supportive Team
Everybody who receives an HCP has a Care Manager there to support them, in the ways they need, every step of the way. Judith describes her Care Manager as someone “who has become as important to me as my GP, who is very much my friend and a significant part of my history. She is full of compassion and shows heart in all she does and all she is.”
She feels just as strongly about Vision Australia as a whole, saying, “If you’re not experienced with Vision Australia, it’s hard to imagine the sort of organisation they are and what they offer. That was me, and it was a revelation…Vision Australia is beautiful.”
Advice for Others Living with Vision Loss
Judith strongly recommends that anyone newly diagnosed with an eye condition reach out to Vision Australia. She emphasises that we offer a wealth of knowledge and information without pressuring you into anything. Instead, we simply make you aware of the available supports and services, ready whenever you are.
Her advice? “Be open and just try. Just give it a little try, you’ll be surprised at how sensitively everything is administered and offered. That’s how you get the full benefits.”