We are New Zealand’s leading provider of vision rehabilitation.

Client Karen and her partner walk confidently towards the camera, she holds her white cane in one hand and his arm in the other

We are New Zealand’s leading provider of vision rehabilitation, providing practical and emotional support for people with vision loss. From infancy to elder years, our clients have a range of visual conditions from low to no vision.

Some common eye conditions include Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma and Cataracts. Our team of specialists assist clients in realising their goals and how we can best work together to achieve them.

We personalise the right mix of services, strategies, products and assistive technology to support independence in the home and the community.

Please get in touch to become a client and access the range of services we offer.

Client Jenny shares a laugh with her friend

Jenny's Story

"They drew the curtains back on life. I could start to live again."

Getting around

We help you find ways to get around safely and independently. Whether it’s to work, the shops, school or sports, you might learn to use a mobility aid such as a white cane or a guide dog, how to be guided by other people and how to manage crossing roads.

A client walks near the edge of a road and uses their white cane to help them navigate the tactile markings

Community and Support

Living with sight loss can be challenging, so we encourage community and connection.

Two older male cllients share a laugh, one of them is using a tablet

Accessible Library

We have over 36,000 titles in our accessible library, now with improved access and search features to better help those who are blind, deafblind or have low vision.

Accessible Formats Service (AFS)

The Accessible Formats Service produces accessible information and tactile solutions for organisations, educators, employers, and the blind and low-vision community across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Learn about what we can do for you and how to request our services.

Client Sue and her guide dog, Yazz walk across a pedestrian crossing

Guide Dog Services

Guide dogs provide more than just mobility; they provide companionship and enable increased independence and confidence. Find out more about Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs and how to apply for a guide dog.

Daily Living Skills

Vision loss can present particular challenges when you are at home. It could be that after relying on your sense of sight for most of your life, you discover that you now require adaptations to manage your everyday life.

Client Jackson is using his magnifier to read in te reo

Adaptive Technology

With so many devices and technology available to assist those with sight loss, we can advise and assist you to ensure you find what best suits your needs.

A male client makes a cup of tea while listening to his Alexa

Sport and Leisure

Sport and Leisure is a vital part of our wellbeing and it is important we provide a specialist service for this aspect of our clients’ lives.

A group of clients on a kayak tour

Emotional Support

Working with a counsellor can be one of the best ways to support you and your family and help you manage the impact of sight loss.

A woman patting a mans back to show her support for him

Employment and Youth Pathways

We support job-seekers and those in the workplace, and train employers and educators on how to empower those with sight loss.

Head of Employment and Youth Pathways, Sarah Mitchell with graduate interns Riley and James, and guide dog Rangi standing in front of the Blind Low Vision NZ Parnel office.

Deafblind Services

Our specialist staff aim to improve the quality of life and reduce isolation for people who have both significant vision and hearing loss. If you are deafblind, we can help you find alternative ways of communicating.

We provide support by helping you access information, equipment, a full range of services, social networks and other assistance you need to participate in your community.

Please get in touch to access deafblind services.

Contact us, 0800 24 33 33

generalenquiries@blindlowvision.org.nz

Deafblind clients, Savanna and Poreia communicate using sign language. It looks like they're having a good chat.
A young child studying on a table

Children

When you first discover your child has reduced vision or an eye condition, you might have a lot of questions.

At Blind Low Vision NZ, you and your whānau don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

We support children and young people from birth through to young adulthood, alongside their parents, carers and whānau.

Whether your child is learning through play, starting school, building everyday skills, becoming more independent or preparing for life after school, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

We work in partnership with BLENNZ, PVI and others, combining our expertise to support children, young people and whānau at different stages of their journey.

Find out more about our children’s services. 

Support Grants

Blind Low Vision NZ administers several funds that provide financial help and support to people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision. If you need financial assistance meeting the costs of vision rehabilitation or tertiary education, we may be able to help.

A female Blind Low Vision NZ staff member is using accessible technology throughout her working day to help clients

Self Advocacy

Being able to advocate for yourself effectively is an important skill, and one that can be learned and developed with practice.

We’ve put together some guides and resources to help you.

A black and white image of a person holding a megaphone

It’s here! New, improved, and fit-for-purpose Vision Store.

We are pleased to announce that Blind Low Vision NZ has entered into an exciting new partnership with Vision Australia, providing a dedicated online webshop, the Vision Store for our clients to purchase equipment.

In support of this new webshop initiative, and in conjunction with the Pearson Fund, subsidies are available to further support your equipment needs. For more details, follow the link for our FAQ section.

Visit the Vision Store!

Vision Store FAQs

Request Services

If you or a family member needs support adjusting to sight loss, then Blind Low Vision NZ are here to help.

Please register as a new client and apply for an ID card to use our services. Please note we will need an eye report from your health practitioner.

Client Ese stands smiling off to the left hand side, he looks empowered