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Jo's story 

Jo was born with a condition called high myopia, meaning her eyeballs were enlarged, causing nearsightedness, and stretching her retina. As Jo got older, it was discovered that high myopia was genetic and by age 40, Jo was diagnosed with Myopic Macular Degeneration, which is caused by the stretching of the retina, due to the elongation of her eyeball.

When lens implants and refractive surgeries became available, Jo was deemed a suitable candidate and underwent seven surgeries. Although these significantly improved her vision, within a few years, she experienced a crack in the central vision of her left retina and lost a significant amount of sight. Unfortunately, Jo’s eyesight has continued to decline, and she has now commenced using a cane.

Jo has been working with Vision Australia since 2021, as they support her through navigating the NDIS, as well as providing her with appropriate training.  She reflects on the significant impact Vision Australia has had on her life, “I’ve gone from being isolated, struggling with the impacts of the deterioration, and uncertain of where to from here, to feeling incredibly supported, resuming some of the things I love to do, and learning the essential skills to support me to maintain independence and wellbeing,” Jo explains.

Jo completed her 100K Your Way with walks, swims and cycling her way through the month of April to show her support for Vision Australia. Of course, Jo aims to include some adventure into her walking locations, with a trip to K’gari Island on the books!

Support Jo with a donation
Image of Vision Australia Client Jo standing with her white cane and smiling at the camera.
Image of Vision Australia client Jo sitting on a log smiling at the camera.
Image of Vision Australia Client Jo standing with her dog at the beach.
Image of Vision Australia client Jo with her white came and patting her dog.

 About Vision Australia 


Vision Australia is a leading national provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia. We work in partnership with Australians who are blind or have low vision to help them achieve the possibilities they choose in life.

We support more than 25,500 people of all ages and life stages, and circumstances. We do this through 35 Vision Australia centres in Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia; and through outreach programs in the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

We are a not-for-profit organisation and a major participant and partner in the international blindness community.

You can read more about Vision Australia on the website here.