About Low Vision

Low vision and blindness exist on a spectrum. A person with low vision has significant but partial sight loss that is enough to affect daily activities, but with some usable vision remaining. Legal blindness in Australia is defined as best-corrected visual acuity of 6/60 or less (at 6m, they can’t see what a regular eye sees at 60m) or a visual field of 10 degrees or less, in the better eye. Many people who are legally blind still have some functional vision. The distinction matters for funding eligibility and service access, but in practice, the focus is always on how a person’s vision affects their daily life, not just the numbers on a chart.

The most common causes in Australia include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, myopia, cataracts, and retinitis pigmentosa. Neurological events like stroke or brain injury can also cause significant vision changes. In some cases, low vision is congenital, i.e., it is present from birth or early childhood.

It depends on the cause. Some conditions, like cataracts, can be treated surgically with excellent outcomes. Others, like AMD or glaucoma, can often be managed to slow progression, particularly with early detection. However, many forms of low vision involve permanent changes that can’t be fully reversed. That’s where rehabilitation comes in. Head to our service finder on this page to discover how Guide Dogs supports those with low vision regain independence.

Low vision can be classified as a disability under Australian law, and people with significant vision loss may be eligible for support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Eligibility is based on the permanence and severity of the loss and its impact on daily life. For people aged 65 and over who aren’t eligible for the NDIS, support may be available through My Aged Care. Guide Dogs can help you understand your funding options and navigate the application process.

Optometry Australia recommends an eye examination at least every two years for most adults, and more frequently if you’re over 65, have diabetes or high blood pressure, or have a family history of eye disease. Regular examinations are critical because many sight-threatening conditions develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages.

Eye health in children deserves particular attention. Myopia (short-sightedness) is one of the fastest-growing eye health concerns globally, and research now estimates that half the world’s population could be myopic by 2050. High myopia significantly increases the risk of serious conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Each year that the onset of myopia can be delayed substantially reduces the chance of a child developing high myopia in adulthood, which is why Optometry Australia recommends all children have a comprehensive eye examination before starting school.

Driving requirements vary by state and territory, but in most of Australia you need a minimum visual acuity of 6/12 in your better eye (with correction) to hold an unconditional licence. Conditions that affect peripheral vision, contrast sensitivity, or glare tolerance may also affect your eligibility even if your central acuity meets the threshold. Losing the ability to drive is one of the most significant impacts of low vision. If your vision no longer meets driving standards, an orientation and mobility specialist can help you develop safe, confident strategies for getting around using public transport, rideshare services, and community transport options.

Low vision often develops gradually, which means changes can go unnoticed until they start affecting daily life. Common signs include difficulty reading or seeing fine detail even with glasses, trouble recognising faces, needing brighter light for everyday tasks, bumping into objects or misjudging steps, struggling with glare or adapting between light and dark environments, and noticing blank spots or distortion in your field of vision. If you’re experiencing any of these changes, it’s important to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible, as early assessment opens the door to support that can help you maintain your independence. Guide Dogs offers orthoptic assessments and can help connect you with the right services.

From screen readers and magnification software to smartphone apps, electronic magnifiers, and voice-activated devices, there are more options than ever to help people with low vision stay independent. What works best looks different for everyone as it depends on your vision, your daily routine, and how comfortable you are with technology. You can explore what’s available in our technology and visual aids section, or have a chat with one of our assistive technology specialists about what might suit you.

More than you might expect. While we’re best known for our guide dogs, we also offer orientation and mobility training, occupational therapy, orthoptics, psychology and counselling, assistive technology training, early childhood services, and support navigating NDIS and My Aged Care funding. Whether you’re adjusting to a recent change in vision or looking for practical help with daily life, our service finder is the easiest way to see what’s available for your situation.