Vision Australia is a leading national provider of low vision and blindness services in Australia.
We support more than 25,500 people of all ages, life stages, and circumstances. We do this through 35 Vision Australia centres across the country, and outreach programs in NT and Tasmania. We are a not-for-profit organisation and a major participant and partner in the international blindness community.
Vision Australia’s Life Ready Program supports the education and development of children and young people who are blind or have low vision. The program helps to ensure they can form strong foundations for life, experience meaningful participation and find life-long employment.
Your donations and fundraising make a life-changing difference to the lives of Aussie kids like Eddy and Gemma.
Eddy's Eagles Story
At just two weeks old, Eddy’s parents, Lauren and Chris, noticed some abnormalities with Eddy’s eyes. Following this, Eddy was found to have been born blind, with a diagnosis of bilateral retinal detachment.
“We used the SFR last year as a way to let all our family and friends know that Eddy had recently been diagnosed with blindness, so it was a great way for us to get our message across and also do it in a way that helped other kids just like Eddy to get the support they need in life. The best part of us doing the SFR was the shock of the overwhelming support that we received from everyone. It’s an event that made us feel supported in a community that we were just about to join with Eddy, so it was a great day out.”
Lauren – Eddy’s Mum
Gemma's Story
Gemma was only five months old when she was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma, a diagnosis which came as a bolt from the blue for her mum, Nova. Over the next year, Gemma underwent four procedures to save what they could of her vision, ultimately resulting in a tube implant being inserted. This condition has left Gemma with limited functional vision and and see only rough shapes and colours from her left eye.
“We are so proud of the milestones that Gemma has achieved over the years and it’s truly thanks to the support from Vision Australia, I believe Gemma can live whatever type of life she wants to lead.”
Nova - Gemma's Mum
