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.
Ophthalmic Referral
Referral Criteria
In order to receive services from Blind Low Vision NZ, patients must have a bilateral eyesight condition that is unlikely to improve and either be:
- Experiencing functional difficulty with daily tasks due to their visual impairment, or
- Managing well currently, but would benefit from connecting with us early due to the progressive nature of their eye condition
Those people with visual acuity of 6/24 or less (in the better eye), or a visual field no wider than 20 degrees diameter (in the better eye) are considered full members and are eligible to vote in our board elections and apply for special funding for equipment.
Ways to Refer
Click here to refer a patient to us via the Ophthalmic Referral Form.
Alternatively, you may email or post a referral letter, recent eye report, or completed Ophthalmic Referral Form (.doc) to:
registrations@blindlowvision.org.nz
Blind Low Vision NZ
Private Bag 99941
Newmarket
Auckland 1149
Please include as much information as you think is relevant, including:
- 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
Additionally, it is helpful to include:
- 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.
