Understanding Visual Impairment and How the NDIS Can Help

What Is Visual Impairment?

Visual impairment refers to any condition that limits a person’s ability to see clearly, ranging from mild vision loss that affects daily activities to complete blindness.

It can be:



• Partial: Where vision is reduced but some sight remains
  
• Complete: Where no functional vision is available
  
  

Common causes of visual impairment include:

• Congenital conditions (present from birth), such as congenital cataracts or retinopathy of prematurity
  
• Diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy
  
• Injuries to the eye
  
• Neurological conditions affecting visual processing
  
  

Visual impairment can affect a person’s ability to:

• Move safely around their environment
  
• Access information (such as reading, technology use)
  
• Communicate effectively
  
• Participate independently in education, employment, and community activities

Types of Visual Impairment

Each individual’s experience of vision loss is different.  Some common types of visual impairment include:

• Low vision: Permanent vision loss that cannot be corrected with glasses, surgery, or medication
  
• Legal blindness: Severely reduced vision based on specific legal definitions
  
• Tunnel vision: Loss of peripheral (side) vision
  
• Central vision loss: Loss of sharp, straight-ahead vision
  
• Night blindness: Difficulty seeing in low-light or night conditions



Common Eye Conditions That Can Cause Blindness or Low Vision

Many different medical conditions can lead to permanent vision loss. Here are some of the most common causes of blindness and low vision that may be relevant when applying for NDIS support.



Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in Australians over 40.

 It affects the macula — the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision — making everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognising faces difficult.

 The disease can progress slowly or rapidly, and while treatment may slow it down, vision loss is usually permanent.



Albinism

Albinism is a genetic condition where the body produces little or no melanin, affecting the development of the eyes.

People with albinism often have reduced visual sharpness, light sensitivity, and sometimes nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movements).



Vision loss is permanent but can be managed with supports like magnification devices or tinted lenses.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, glare sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night.

Cataracts are common with ageing but can also result from other medical conditions.

While cataracts can often be corrected with surgery, untreated cataracts can cause significant vision impairment over time.

Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition results from damage to the small blood vessels at the back of the eye due to high blood sugar levels.

 It can cause blurred vision, floaters, dark areas of vision, and eventually blindness if left untreated.

 Regular eye checks and blood sugar management are critical, but in advanced cases, vision loss can be permanent.



Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often linked to increased pressure inside the eye.

 It usually progresses slowly and painlessly, meaning many people don’t notice symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.

 Early detection is important, but advanced glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness.



Nystagmus

Nystagmus is a condition where the eyes move rapidly and uncontrollably, either from side to side, up and down, or in a circular motion.

 It can cause difficulties with focusing, depth perception, and stability of vision.

 While there is no cure, visual aids and therapies can help maximise functional vision.



Retinitis Pigmentosa

This is a group of rare genetic disorders where the cells in the retina break down over time, leading to gradual vision loss.

 It often begins with night blindness, followed by loss of peripheral (side) vision, and eventually central vision.

 Retinitis pigmentosa is progressive and currently has no cure, although supports and technology can help maintain independence.



Stroke

A stroke can damage the areas of the brain responsible for vision, leading to partial or total loss of sight in one or both eyes.

 Depending on the part of the brain affected, a stroke survivor may experience blurred vision, loss of visual fields, or difficulty processing visual information.

 Rehabilitation and vision therapy can help maximise remaining vision, but some impairments may be permanent.



How Is Permanent Blindness Defined for the NDIS?

The NDIS has specific criteria to determine eligibility for supports related to visual impairment.

For permanent blindness, the condition must be diagnosed and assessed by an ophthalmologist (an optometrist report alone is not sufficient).

To meet the NDIS’s definition of permanent blindness, one of the following must apply:

• Corrected visual acuity on the Snellen Scale must be less than or equal to 6/60 in both eyes; or
  
• Constriction of visual fields to within 10 degrees or less of central fixation in the better eye, regardless of visual acuity; or
  
• A combination of visual defects resulting in a similar level of functional visual impairment.
  
  

These strict criteria ensure that NDIS funding is targeted to individuals whose vision loss substantially impacts their ability to complete daily tasks without support.

What’s the Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?

When applying for NDIS funding related to visual impairment, it’s important to understand the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist:

• Optometrist:
  An optometrist is a trained eye care professional who can assess vision, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and detect common eye problems.
  However, they are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose or treat serious eye diseases or perform surgery.
  
  
• Ophthalmologist:
  An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases or injuries of the eye.
  They can perform eye surgery, prescribe medications for eye conditions, and provide formal medical diagnoses required for disability assessments.
  
  

Important:
For NDIS purposes, reports or assessments must come from an ophthalmologist, not just an optometrist.   An ophthalmologist’s report provides the necessary medical evidence to confirm the severity and permanence of the vision impairment under NDIS eligibility guidelines.



Does the NDIS Support People with Visual Impairments?

Yes — the NDIS provides funding and tailored supports for people living with permanent and significant visual impairments that affect daily life.

Eligibility is based on:



• A permanent diagnosis confirmed by an ophthalmologist
  
• Evidence that the vision loss substantially limits functional capacity in areas such as mobility, communication, self-care, or social and community participation
  
• The need for ongoing reasonable and necessary supports

What Types of Supports Might Be Funded?

The NDIS funds a wide range of supports, depending on the participant’s individual needs and goals, including:



NDIS Assistive Technology

• Screen readers, braille displays, magnification devices, accessible software
  
• Smart home technology adapted for accessibility
  
• Mobility aids, including support related to guide dog services (often coordinated alongside other systems)



Daily Living Supports

Community Participation

• Support workers to assist with accessing education, work, or social and recreational activities



Therapy and Training

• Occupational therapy for independent living skills
• Vision rehabilitation services
  
• Assistive technology training to build confidence in using adaptive tools

Capacity Building Supports

• Assistance with setting and achieving personal goals
  
• Support for learning to navigate new environments safely
  
• Public transport training to build greater community access



Home and Vehicle Modifications

• Funding for home adjustments (such as tactile markers, better lighting, or accessible layouts)
  
• Vehicle modifications if required for independent transport

When Should You Apply for the NDIS?

You should consider applying if you:

• Have a permanent visual impairment (as diagnosed by an ophthalmologist)
  
• Experience a substantial impact on your ability to live independently, participate in education, work, or community life
  
• Require ongoing support to achieve your goals and maintain independence
  
  

You can apply for the NDIS between 7 and 65 years of age.
Children under 9 may access early intervention support through the Early Childhood Approach before formally transitioning into the Scheme.



Final Thoughts

Visual impairment affects each person differently, but with the right supports in place, individuals can achieve greater independence, build new skills, and fully participate in their communities.

The NDIS provides a pathway to funding reasonable and necessary supports that can help overcome barriers created by vision loss.

 If you or someone you know is considering NDIS support for a visual impairment, preparation is key — clear goals, accurate medical evidence, and an understanding of available supports can make all the difference.



Need Help Navigating the NDIS?

At Empowrd, we support NDIS participants across the Eyre Peninsula with local Support Coordination, and provide expert Plan Management services Australia-wide.

From navigating your plan to handling your NDIS invoices, Your Plan Manager at Empowrd is here to make the process simpler, so you can focus on achieving your goals and living more independently.

Call (08) 8683 4401 or visit our website to learn more.