Meet Prue and Reg
A TV helps Reg stay in touch with his family
Reg has benefitted from Vision Australia's services
Reg Southam can't drive a car, read the paper, or shop alone because he can't read the print on labels. Even when he and his wife go shopping together, he's afraid he'll lose her - he can't see enough to recognise her face. With severely blurred vision caused by aging, the 74-year-old has been grateful for equipment and training from Vision Australia.
Reg bought binoculars to read the signs at the train station so that he could continue travelling to his football-club committee meetings on his own. He also bought a large-button phone with big numbers that help him see to dial friends and keep in touch. Vision Australia also recommended a magnifier that enlarges objects on a TV screen, which he uses to read letters from his son who lives in China. Now he's learning touch typing at Vision Australia so he can write back on his computer without having to look at the keyboard.
He is thankful for Vision Australia's role in his continued independence. "I'm thrilled with the service," he says. "They've done so much for me".
Magnifiers enlarged this swim champ's work prospects
Prue says Vision Australia made a huge difference to her life
Friendly and competitive enough to win medals for swimming in the Paralympics, Prue Watt's natural abilities helped her find her first job. But Vision Australia's support was crucial too.
Born premature, Prue has a vision impairment that makes regular-size print - including job ads - too small to see. Feeling "stranded" Prue phoned Vision Australia. An employment consultant "helped me ring around," she says. "We also wrote a cover letter to go with my resume and sent it out to businesses."
After she'd found a job as a receptionist in a physiotherapy clinic, consultants also carried out a workplace assessment. They recommended a high powered magnifier to read the diary and see if patients are due. Software was installed to boost text size on her computer screen so she can check patient details on the office database.
"Without Vision Australia I'd be at a big disadvantage compared to everyone else," says Prue. "They made a huge difference."
How would you read this if you couldn't see?
You'd be amazed to discover just how much you could accomplish without your sight. But you'd need some help... and so do we.
Vision Australia relies on generous community support to provide around 38,000 Australians who are blind or vision impaired with the tools they need to live life to the full.
Through a combination of equipment and training, people of all ages are shown how to carry out the basic daily activities essential for independence, from reading a letter to finding a job. Our services are tailored to each person's individual goals, respecting their personal choice.
You can become a part of this vital work by supporting Vision Australia today
Contact us on for more information. To make a donation Tel: 1800 422 077 or make a secure online donation via this website.