As you are likely aware the Victorian Government has declared a State of Disaster and updated COVID-19 restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne.
You can find out exactly what this means for you on the Department of Health and Human Service’s (DHHS) COVID-19 website.
These restrictions mean that Vision Australia offices in metropolitan Melbourne, along with Geelong are currently closed to the public. Vision Australia will also be unable to provide residents of these regions with face to face services in their homes or the community until further notice.
We understand this is a challenging time for everybody and we are committed to supporting the blind and low vision community through this time and keeping people connected with Vision Australia and the wider community.
Connecting with Vision Australia
You can continue to receive all Vision Australia services via telehealth. Our staff are ready to hold appointments with you via videoconferencing, telephone and other platforms. Our Assistive Technology Helpdesk can also provide free support to help you get set up for telehealth appointments.
Our Vision Store is still operating and you can purchase equipment 24/7 online at shop.visionaustralia.org or via phone on 1300 84 74 66 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 7pm AEST.
The Vision Australia Library is also available to all Vision Australia clients and anybody who is blind or has low vision. You can find out how to join, access and what the Vision Australia Library has to offer online.
Vision Australia Radio continues to broadcast and you can listen or find your local frequency online. A wide range of Vision Australia Radio podcasts are available for you to listen on demand.
Contacting Vision Australia
You can phone our National Contact Centre on 1300 84 74 66 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 7pm AEST. You can also email info@visionaustralia.org.
Our COVID-19 support line is also available via phone on 1300 88 70 58 8.30am-7pm Monday to Friday AEST.
Please note the support line is not an emergency resource. It is designed to help people who are blind or have low vision find and access information and troubleshoot COVID-19 related issues.
Other information
We recommend you stay up to date with the COVID-19 situation through reliable sources such as the DHHS or Australian Department of Health.
You can also find information for people who are blind or have low vision about wearing face masks and coverings on the Vision Australia website.
Further support services are also available to anyone who needs them:
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800.
Vision Australia will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and follow the advice of health authorities and keep you informed of any further changes to our services.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Vision Australia if you think there is anything we can help you with.
Kind regards,
Karen Knight
General Manager Client Services