Helping Veterans With Age-related Vision Loss

Orthoptist TONY WU details how Orthoptists can empower independence in veterans experiencing age-related vision loss.

Age-related eye conditions – such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma – can cause permanent vision loss that severely impacts an older veteran’s daily functioning, mobility, and confidence.

Orthoptists specialising in low vision play a vital role in bridging the gap between clinical eye health and practical life solutions. By delivering tailored functional interventions, they can empower veterans to maintain their independence and lead active, healthy lives.

The functional vision assessment

When medical, surgical or refractive options are exhausted, a low vision orthoptist can assist by conducting a comprehensive functional vision assessment (FVA).

Unlike diagnostic testing, an FVA evaluates how an individual utilises their remaining vision during everyday tasks in real-world environments. This involves examining visual acuity (near, intermediate and distance), contrast and glare sensitivity, visual field awareness, colour vision, depth perception and challenges with specific daily living tasks.

Tailored low VISION interventions

Following an FVA, the low vision orthoptist will provide tailored strategies and solutions to address the veteran’s goals including:

• Magnification solutions: Matching specific reading tasks to the appropriate magnifier reduces visual strain and fatigue. For example, handheld optical magnifiers may be prescribed for quick “spot reading” (e.g. bills, medication labels, price tags), while portable or desktop electronic magnifiers are ideal for sustained reading, writing or hobbies.
• Lighting optimisation: Evaluate illumination needs to minimise glare and maximise contrast. For example, recommending focal lighting from an adjustable desk or floor lamp for reading or near work tasks, versus ambient room lighting to ensure appropriate brightness and colour temperature.
• Daily living aids and assistive technologies (AT): Recommend aids and equipment that promotes safe, independent living and social connection.
• Multidisciplinary referrals: Connecting veterans with orientation and mobility specialist training to travel safely and independently, occupational therapy for home modifications to ensure a safe home environment, or specialised library services to access audiobooks and podcasts.       

Funding pathways and entitlements

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funds comprehensive eyecare and rehabilitation for eligible veterans’ and war widows/widowers holding a Veteran Card – All Conditions (VCAC aka Veteran Gold Card) or a Veteran Card – Condition Specific (VCCS aka Veteran White Card) where the accepted condition is vision related.

Coverage includes:

• Orthoptic services:

Covering the comprehensive FVA, follow-up appointments and clinical transport arrangements.

• Low vision aids and appliances:

Prescribed optical magnifiers and specialised appliances to alleviate eye strain, visual fatigue and reduce glare for comfortable reading.

• DVA’s Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP):

Provides access to a wide selection of aids, equipment and home modifications, to minimise the functional impact of vision loss – facilitating safe, efficient daily living, engagement with family and the community, and overall improved quality of live.

How eyecare professionals can refer

Eyecare professionals working in the public or private sector can easily connect their DVA patients with orthoptists providing low vision services through two primary pathways:

1. Blind and Low Vision (BLV) organisations: Refer directly to national and state-based organisations, including Vision Australia, Guide Dogs Associations, Seeway, See Differently and VisAbility
2. Independent orthoptist: Locate and refer to independent orthoptic practitioners specialising in low vision via the Healthdirect directory (healthdirect.gov.au).

Referring DVA patients to an orthoptist for an FVA ensures veterans receive tailored solutions to maximise their visual independence.

Orthoptics Australia remains dedicated to ensuring veterans maintain access to orthoptic services. To safeguard ongoing veteran access to orthoptic care, Orthoptics Australia has registered an EOI for representation at upcoming DVA allied health consultations. Effective July 2027, DVA’s updated framework is designed to broaden provider choice, guarantee access to essential treatment, and support an equitable, sustainable system for both veterans and providers. 

About the author: Tony Wu is an orthoptist with more than 15 years of experience in the BLV sector, specialising in low vision, BLV AT, and DVA funding. He is dedicated to empowering independence in the BLV community though innovative, accessible solutions.

The post Helping veterans with age-related vision loss appeared first on Insight.