Eye Surgeons Bendigo http://www.eyebendigo.com.au

Vision Australia https://www.visionaustralia.org

Goldfields Library http://www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au

Vision Australia and My Aged Care are making it easier for Bendigo man Russell Berry to live independently.

Russell, 90, is legally blind because of age-related macular degeneration but lives in his own home with assistance from the My Age Care program arranged for him by Vision Australia in Bendigo.

Under My Aged Care, the Commonwealth Government’s health care system for people aged 65 and over, Russell is able to select the services he wants.

Vision Australia organised assistance with his shopping, cleaning and laundry at home, and has provided visual aids and specialist vision services to maintain his independence.

“They’re a wonderful crowd; they can never do enough for you,” Russell says.

Vision Australia Bendigo regional manager Megan McDonald says, “The best part about My Aged Care is that it’s flexible.

“We can tailor it to suit our clients as their needs change,” she adds. 

For more information visit Vision Australia at 20 Bridge Street, Bendigo, or phone 5445 5700.

If you notice any changes in your vision, or have any concerns, you should see your doctor, ophthalmologist or optometrist immediately. You should have regular eye checks every two years. The following information is very general and is not a substitute for speaking to your doctor.

Glaucoma – is the name given to a group of eye diseases that occur when too much pressure develops inside one or both eye balls. It is a leading cause of vision damage and blindness in people over 40 years of age. 

Macular Degeneration – is the physical disturbance of the centre of the retina called the macular. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 55. Symptoms include difficulty reading; Distortion - where straight lines appear wavy or bent; Problems distinguishing faces; Dark patches or empty spaces appearing in the centre of your vision

Cataracts – a cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it hard to see. Symptoms include sensitivity to glare and bright lights; Clouded or blurred vision; Halos around lights (especially at night); Washed-out colours; and double vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy – Diseases of the retina can lead to partial or total loss of vision. For young people, retinal disease can be caused by the presence of other diseases such as diabetes. For older people, the most common retinal diseases are associated with conditions such as macular degeneration.