Blindness and low vision are more common than you might think
Many people believe that sight loss is rare. But anyone can experience blindness, deafblindness, or low vision at any stage of life. It might happen to you or someone you love. As New Zealand’s population gets older, age-related eye conditions are on the rise. That’s why looking after your eye health and making sure support is available when it’s needed matters more than ever. At Blind Low Vision NZ, we speak up for accessible, inclusive communities. Everyone should be able to move through public spaces, access information, and work towards the life they want without unnecessary barriers. We work to raise awareness, drive change, and make sure people with sight loss have the same opportunities as everyone else.
We’re here to help.
Blind Low Vision NZ offers practical and emotional support to help you do the things that matter most to you. We’re the country’s leading provider of vision rehabilitation, and we’ll meet you where you are – at home or in one of our local offices.
Tools to live life your way.
Our Library Service offers books and resources in many accessible formats. You can access them using the Blind Low Vision NZ Library skill on Amazon Alexa, the EasyReader app, or by calling our Contact Centre. We can also help with:
- Getting around safely and freely
- Daily Living Skills
- Sport and Leisure
- Employment and Youth Pathways
- Peer support
- Using technology to stay connected and independent. No goal is too big or too small. We’re here to support you
To access our services, you’ll need a referral from your eye specialist or health professional.
The four most common eye conditions that cause blindness or low vision are:
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
We support people who have reduced vision, even with the best glasses or contact lenses. About three in four people we support have some vision, known as low vision.
www.blindlowvision.org.nz
