The diagnosis of a sight-threatening condition and vision loss often brings complex fears and emotions. When confronted with a diagnosis, it’s vital that from early on, patients understand the supports and services that are available to help them navigate their vision loss.

Vision 2020 Australia, the national peak body for the eye health and vision sector, has been working to improve what happens after diagnosis so people with vision loss can remain independent and connected to the community. A working group of sector organisations have collaborated to develop the ‘Adult Referral Pathway for Blindness and Low Vision Services’ and ‘Blindness and Low Vision Service Provider Resource’. These are two practical chairside references for eye health professionals, which aim to:
•Improve patient outcomes by connecting people to supports and services
•Enable a parallel care structure to increase patient support
•Provide clear referring guidelines for eye health professionals
•Link eye health professionals with service delivery organisations, and
•Empower patients to make informed decisions about supports and services.

Eye health professionals must see beyond the clinical picture and recognise their important role in facilitating early access for patients to rehabilitation and support services.