An increasing number of people requiring services has prompted Vision Australia to expand its facilities in Gosford, NSW, moving to a new centre to address the growing need in the region.
The number of people who are blind or have low vision is set to double to 600,000 by 2020 in Australia and the increase is already being felt.
“We are finding that more people are knocking on our door to receive services to help them overcome many of today's challenges," said Gerard Menses, CEO of Vision Australia.
“The support we offer is based on each individual's needs. It may include help getting a job, catching a bus or reading mail - everyday things that many people who are sighted take for granted," added Mr Menses.
Tuggerah resident Rolf Geerling is legally blind due to Stargardt's, a hereditary condition that causes the deterioration of central vision. In his mid-forties, Rolf first made contact with Vision Australia around 18 months ago.
"Vision Australia's Gosford team are fair dinkum mates, they really look after you. They have taught me how to get around safely using a white cane, how to touch type and use a talking software program called JAWS. They have even assisted me to enrol in Certificate IV in community service at ET Australia," said Rolf.
“Without them I'd have still been sitting on the couch doing nothing. Now I am looking forward to getting back to work," he added.
Vision Australia's new Gosford centre was officially opened on 16 June 2011. The new purpose-built facility has been designed to maximise accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision.
The centre is located at 3rd Floor Gateway Centre, 237 Mann Street, Gosford, NSW.