Blind Low Vision NZ provides support and services to people throughout New Zealand, from infancy to old age. Our clients have a range of visual impairments from low vision to blindness.
Referral Criteria
There is no longer a visual acuity or visual field restriction for referral. Eye specialists can refer any patient who needs support with low vision or blindness.
Criteria for Full Eligibility
- Corrected visual acuity of 6/24 or less in the better eye, or
- Residual visual field of 20 degrees or less in the widest diameter of the better eye
Criteria for Partial Eligibility
Those people who do not meet the above criteria but still have significant functional difficulty due to ongoing reduced vision, or who are in the early stages of a progressive eye disease.
Reasons to refer may include any of:
- Significant visual field loss
- Corrected visual acuity less than 6/12 in the better eye
- Vision loss impacting safety (falls or injuries), mental wellbeing, or causing significant difficulty with everyday tasks
- Diagnosis of progressive eye condition e.g. retinal dystrophy and would benefit from early support
Note – Free access to service is available to partial and full clients. Fully eligible clients can take part in board elections and apply for additional funding and grants.
Ways to Refer
1. Refer a patient using the Online Referral Form
2. Download the Referral Form and email or post to:
Email: registrations@blindlowvision.org.nz
Postal address: Blind Low Vision NZ
Private Bag 99941
Newmarket
Auckland 1149
- The patient’s details, including a current contact number
- Visual acuity & Visual field information (a description of the visual field or attach the visual field results)
- Diagnosis for each eye
- Prognosis
- NHI number
- ACC details if applicable
- Urgency of referral
- Reason for referral
- Other comorbidities (e.g. hearing impairment, significant health conditions)
Contact us for further information on:
0800 24 33 33 – ask for Registrations
registrations@blindlowvision.org.nz (we do reply to emails sent to this inbox)
Refer someone to us online
We encourage Eye Health Specialists to refer patients who experience significant vision related difficulties with day-to-day tasks, even when wearing corrective lenses. We will contact the person referred to discuss their individual circumstances and how we are able to help.
