From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Colley.

From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Colley.

Hello everyone. It's great to be here with you. And for the next half hour we talk matters of blindness and low vision.

Hello everyone. It's great to be here with you. And for the next half hour we talk matters of blindness and low vision.

Yeah. So at the I think the start of 2022, we had a selection event for the Australian team for that year, and I managed to make the team. And then my next competition was a World Cup. So I actually only competed in two state level competitions. And then this selection event before I went to an international competition.

Yeah. So at the I think the start of 2022, we had a selection event for the Australian team for that year, and I managed to make the team. And then my next competition was a World Cup. So I actually only competed in two state level competitions. And then this selection event before I went to an international competition.

Welcome to the program. This week we're featuring the first of a couple of interviews with some para climbers who are heading to the ifSc Para Climbing World Cups later this year. Her name is Sarah Larkham, and she joins me to chat all about her journey to the Australian para climbing team and encouraged people out there to get involved in para climbing themselves. And then after my interview with Sarah Stella, glorious, back on the program with Megan Heard from Vision Australia to chat to us all about the ways in which Virgin Australia can help older Australians who are blind or have low vision to get the home care packages they need. And finally, on the program this week, in celebration of World Glaucoma Week, from the 10th to the 16th of March, we feature my chat with ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist Doctor Nathan Kerr. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. Sarah Larkham is a para climber from Melbourne, also part of the Australian para climbing team. And to tell us a little bit more about para climbing and the events the Australian para climbing team are involved with later this year. It's my great pleasure to welcome Sara now. Sara, welcome to Talking Vision. Thanks so much for your time.

Welcome to the program. This week we're featuring the first of a couple of interviews with some para climbers who are heading to the ifSc Para Climbing World Cups later this year. Her name is Sarah Larkham, and she joins me to chat all about her journey to the Australian para climbing team and encouraged people out there to get involved in para climbing themselves. And then after my interview with Sarah Stella, glorious, back on the program with Megan Heard from Vision Australia to chat to us all about the ways in which Virgin Australia can help older Australians who are blind or have low vision to get the home care packages they need. And finally, on the program this week, in celebration of World Glaucoma Week, from the 10th to the 16th of March, we feature my chat with ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist Doctor Nathan Kerr. I hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. Sarah Larkham is a para climber from Melbourne, also part of the Australian para climbing team. And to tell us a little bit more about para climbing and the events the Australian para climbing team are involved with later this year. It's my great pleasure to welcome Sara now. Sara, welcome to Talking Vision. Thanks so much for your time.

Thanks so much for having me, Sam. I'm really excited to talk to you about para climbing today.

Thanks so much for having me, Sam. I'm really excited to talk to you about para climbing today.

Sarah, let's find out a little bit more about para climbing. What is it?

Sarah, let's find out a little bit more about para climbing. What is it?

Well, essentially it's just the para version of sport climbing. So there's a couple of different terms that you might hear. It might be adaptive climbing or para climbing. I guess adaptive climbing just kind of refers to climbing for people with disabilities as a whole. And para climbing usually refers more specifically to the competitive sport side of it.

Well, essentially it's just the para version of sport climbing. So there's a couple of different terms that you might hear. It might be adaptive climbing or para climbing. I guess adaptive climbing just kind of refers to climbing for people with disabilities as a whole. And para climbing usually refers more specifically to the competitive sport side of it.

And are there any differences between the regular climbing and para climbing? A sort of adaptation or any of that sort of thing?

And are there any differences between the regular climbing and para climbing? A sort of adaptation or any of that sort of thing?

Yeah, it really depends on what the specific disability is. So in terms of just climbing recreationally, you know, I work with a group called Adaptive Climbing Victoria and we host Come and Try Days and we have a really broad range of different types of equipment and setups and supports that we can use for different types of disabilities to get people on the wall. And then in terms of climbing as a sport, you know, there's kind of more specific rules around what you're allowed to use to help you depending on what your disability is.

Yeah, it really depends on what the specific disability is. So in terms of just climbing recreationally, you know, I work with a group called Adaptive Climbing Victoria and we host Come and Try Days and we have a really broad range of different types of equipment and setups and supports that we can use for different types of disabilities to get people on the wall. And then in terms of climbing as a sport, you know, there's kind of more specific rules around what you're allowed to use to help you depending on what your disability is.

And, Sarah, tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you've been involved with para climbing.

And, Sarah, tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you've been involved with para climbing.

Yeah, so I started climbing just recreationally in 2019. I actually didn't know at the time that it was a sport. I just thought it was something fun to try after work, and I'd wanted to try it for a little while, and I actually really wanted to try outdoor climbing. But, you know, I started in a gym like most people do. And just to give you a bit of frame of reference. So I'm a boloney amputee on my right side, and within about three months of starting climbing indoors, I actually broke my ankle. So on my non-disabled side, which was pretty rough. Oh yeah. But yeah, I came back to it, you know, a few months after, you know, literally sitting on the couch doing nothing because I wasn't very good on crutches with my prosthetic leg. Um, but when I came back to it, that's when I found adaptive climbing Victoria. So I was like, looking online, trying to figure out, like, okay, are there other disabled people out there that are climbing? Because I hadn't seen any, and I wanted to try and maybe get some tips and advice on how to get back into it and getting better at climbing. And yeah, so I found this group and I attended one of their come and try days, and I've literally just been climbing ever since. And it was the person who founded that group that actually told me that it was a sport and invited me to compete in a state level competition. And yeah, I decided I would give that a go and I absolutely loved it.

Yeah, so I started climbing just recreationally in 2019. I actually didn't know at the time that it was a sport. I just thought it was something fun to try after work, and I'd wanted to try it for a little while, and I actually really wanted to try outdoor climbing. But, you know, I started in a gym like most people do. And just to give you a bit of frame of reference. So I'm a boloney amputee on my right side, and within about three months of starting climbing indoors, I actually broke my ankle. So on my non-disabled side, which was pretty rough. Oh yeah. But yeah, I came back to it, you know, a few months after, you know, literally sitting on the couch doing nothing because I wasn't very good on crutches with my prosthetic leg. Um, but when I came back to it, that's when I found adaptive climbing Victoria. So I was like, looking online, trying to figure out, like, okay, are there other disabled people out there that are climbing? Because I hadn't seen any, and I wanted to try and maybe get some tips and advice on how to get back into it and getting better at climbing. And yeah, so I found this group and I attended one of their come and try days, and I've literally just been climbing ever since. And it was the person who founded that group that actually told me that it was a sport and invited me to compete in a state level competition. And yeah, I decided I would give that a go and I absolutely loved it.

Oh, fantastic. So you've been involved in para climbing for five years now, starting in, um, 2019. But what was your first competition and has it sort of progressed from there?

Oh, fantastic. So you've been involved in para climbing for five years now, starting in, um, 2019. But what was your first competition and has it sort of progressed from there?

Yeah, I've had a funny kind of journey because I'm also based in Melbourne and, you know, around the time when I was coming back to climbing after my ankle injury, you know, we were into Covid lockdowns pretty shortly after that. So yeah, my journey's been a little bit interrupted. But yeah, so I had that first state level competition that was the Victorian para Climbing Championships. And then I think a little bit after that is when we went into lockdown. I think in 2021, I managed in one of the breaks between lockdowns, I managed to get to Sydney and to compete in the New South Wales para climbing titles for that year. I think that was 2021. Um, and it was kind of that year that I was thinking more seriously about, do I actually want to try and make something out of this? You know, do I want to put more effort in and see if I can, you know, maybe make the Australian team and compete overseas? And I decided that I would so in between lockdowns, I was kind of getting to the gym wherever I could. I was climbing outdoors at the Burnley bouldering wall, which is a little climbing wall that's underneath the freeway bridge here in Melbourne. And that was kind of the only place that we were allowed to climb at that time. But yeah, so at the I think the start of 2022, we had a selection event for the Australian team for that year, and I managed to make the team and then my next competition was a World Cup. So I actually only competed in two state level competitions. And then this selection event before I went to an international competition.

Yeah, I've had a funny kind of journey because I'm also based in Melbourne and, you know, around the time when I was coming back to climbing after my ankle injury, you know, we were into Covid lockdowns pretty shortly after that. So yeah, my journey's been a little bit interrupted. But yeah, so I had that first state level competition that was the Victorian para Climbing Championships. And then I think a little bit after that is when we went into lockdown. I think in 2021, I managed in one of the breaks between lockdowns, I managed to get to Sydney and to compete in the New South Wales para climbing titles for that year. I think that was 2021. Um, and it was kind of that year that I was thinking more seriously about, do I actually want to try and make something out of this? You know, do I want to put more effort in and see if I can, you know, maybe make the Australian team and compete overseas? And I decided that I would so in between lockdowns, I was kind of getting to the gym wherever I could. I was climbing outdoors at the Burnley bouldering wall, which is a little climbing wall that's underneath the freeway bridge here in Melbourne. And that was kind of the only place that we were allowed to climb at that time. But yeah, so at the I think the start of 2022, we had a selection event for the Australian team for that year, and I managed to make the team and then my next competition was a World Cup. So I actually only competed in two state level competitions. And then this selection event before I went to an international competition.

Oh my God, that's incredible.

Oh my God, that's incredible.

Yeah yeah. Hectic.

Yeah yeah. Hectic.

Oh my god. Wow. No, that is really cool. And you know you are involved in the Australia team this year as well as the heading off to the ifSc Para Climbing World Cups later this year in just a couple of months time, I believe. Now.

Oh my god. Wow. No, that is really cool. And you know you are involved in the Australia team this year as well as the heading off to the ifSc Para Climbing World Cups later this year in just a couple of months time, I believe. Now.

Yeah, our first competition in May. So super excited for that. Oh wow.

Yeah, our first competition in May. So super excited for that. Oh wow.

That's that's incredible. And it's um, it's World Cups plural. So that's also quite interesting I found.

That's that's incredible. And it's um, it's World Cups plural. So that's also quite interesting I found.

Yeah, I thought that was a bit funny when I first got involved as well. So it's not just like the World Cup. It's kind of what we call a World Cup circuit. It's usually around three per year.

Yeah, I thought that was a bit funny when I first got involved as well. So it's not just like the World Cup. It's kind of what we call a World Cup circuit. It's usually around three per year.

So the first one starting in May. And where will you be heading off to for that one.

So the first one starting in May. And where will you be heading off to for that one.

So that will be in Salt Lake City in the US. So our first competition every year is usually in Salt Lake City. And then we're looking at going to Innsbruck in Austria in June and then somewhere in France in July. We haven't been actually told yet where that one will be.

So that will be in Salt Lake City in the US. So our first competition every year is usually in Salt Lake City. And then we're looking at going to Innsbruck in Austria in June and then somewhere in France in July. We haven't been actually told yet where that one will be.

Oh, okay, that's a bit of a surprise. But yeah, yeah, a bit of a mystery. That's pretty cool. So you're heading off there, but you'll also be joined by others in the Australian para climbing team, including Jason Water, who quite a few of our listeners will be familiar with. There's a couple of climbers who are. Blind or have low vision and Jason included. So I guess tell us a little bit about them.

Oh, okay, that's a bit of a surprise. But yeah, yeah, a bit of a mystery. That's pretty cool. So you're heading off there, but you'll also be joined by others in the Australian para climbing team, including Jason Water, who quite a few of our listeners will be familiar with. There's a couple of climbers who are. Blind or have low vision and Jason included. So I guess tell us a little bit about them.

Yeah, I'm so excited that Jason is joining the team this year. I first met him when he came to one of the adaptive climbing Victoria Come and try days, and he really quickly found his place within our community. Now he's got a coach who is also learning how to site guide. So that's the process of, you know, somebody on the ground who's talking the blind or low vision climber through the movements on the wall. And then we have Eddie on the team, who also is a low vision climber. And yeah, I'm really stoked. And I know Jason is pretty well connected in terms of the sporting community, so I'm really hoping that he can help us get more blind and low vision climbers involved.

Yeah, I'm so excited that Jason is joining the team this year. I first met him when he came to one of the adaptive climbing Victoria Come and try days, and he really quickly found his place within our community. Now he's got a coach who is also learning how to site guide. So that's the process of, you know, somebody on the ground who's talking the blind or low vision climber through the movements on the wall. And then we have Eddie on the team, who also is a low vision climber. And yeah, I'm really stoked. And I know Jason is pretty well connected in terms of the sporting community, so I'm really hoping that he can help us get more blind and low vision climbers involved.

For sure. And you know, if people are interested in following along with the progress of the Australian para climbing team as they head off to the ifSc World Cups, what's the best way for people to keep tabs on that?

For sure. And you know, if people are interested in following along with the progress of the Australian para climbing team as they head off to the ifSc World Cups, what's the best way for people to keep tabs on that?

Oh well, we launched an Instagram account for the team. Oh, wow. So that's yeah, that's at us para climbing team on Instagram. Um, so yeah, please do come and follow along with our journey. We're going to be introducing all of the team members and yeah, keeping you up to date with our preparations and then our travels once we're off to the World Cup. So I think it'll be really exciting.

Oh well, we launched an Instagram account for the team. Oh, wow. So that's yeah, that's at us para climbing team on Instagram. Um, so yeah, please do come and follow along with our journey. We're going to be introducing all of the team members and yeah, keeping you up to date with our preparations and then our travels once we're off to the World Cup. So I think it'll be really exciting.

Ah, sounds super exciting for sure. So make sure to follow that one on para climbing on Instagram. And now more broadly, Sarah, if people are listening to this and thinking, oh my God, I'd love to get involved, I'd love to, you know, find out a bit more about para climbing. What's the best way for them to do that? Where should they go?

Ah, sounds super exciting for sure. So make sure to follow that one on para climbing on Instagram. And now more broadly, Sarah, if people are listening to this and thinking, oh my God, I'd love to get involved, I'd love to, you know, find out a bit more about para climbing. What's the best way for them to do that? Where should they go?

A really good way to get involved in climbing as a person with a disability is to reach out to your. Hopefully you have a local adaptive climbing group. So in Australia we have adaptive climbing Victoria for those that are in or around Melbourne. In New South Wales you have able climbing New South Wales and then in Queensland you have para climbing Queensland. Now, unfortunately, the other states and territories don't have adaptive climbing groups yet, but that does not mean that you can't get involved. I would highly recommend reaching out to either your local climbing gym or the local or state level climbing association, so those are usually called something like sport climbing Victoria or sport climbing Western Australia and so on. So do reach out to those. And yeah, ask how you can get involved.

A really good way to get involved in climbing as a person with a disability is to reach out to your. Hopefully you have a local adaptive climbing group. So in Australia we have adaptive climbing Victoria for those that are in or around Melbourne. In New South Wales you have able climbing New South Wales and then in Queensland you have para climbing Queensland. Now, unfortunately, the other states and territories don't have adaptive climbing groups yet, but that does not mean that you can't get involved. I would highly recommend reaching out to either your local climbing gym or the local or state level climbing association, so those are usually called something like sport climbing Victoria or sport climbing Western Australia and so on. So do reach out to those. And yeah, ask how you can get involved.

Oh wonderful. Thanks so much Sarah. I've been speaking today with Sarah Larkham, member of the Australian para climbing team, heading off to the ifSc Para Climbing World Cups plural later on this year. Sarah, thanks so much for your time today. It was a pleasure to catch up and hear all about para climbing.

Oh wonderful. Thanks so much Sarah. I've been speaking today with Sarah Larkham, member of the Australian para climbing team, heading off to the ifSc Para Climbing World Cups plural later on this year. Sarah, thanks so much for your time today. It was a pleasure to catch up and hear all about para climbing.

Yeah, thanks so much for having me. Cheers.

Yeah, thanks so much for having me. Cheers.

I'm Sam Culley and you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio, Associated Stations of Reading Radio and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that interview with Sarah Larkham there. If you missed any part of that interview with Sarah or you'd love to listen to it again. Talking vision is, of course, available on the Vision Style Radio website at RVA radio.org. That's RVA radio all one word.org. You can also find the program on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia library. And now it's my great pleasure to welcome Stella Glory back to the program. Catching up this week with Megan Herd.

I'm Sam Culley and you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio, Associated Stations of Reading Radio and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that interview with Sarah Larkham there. If you missed any part of that interview with Sarah or you'd love to listen to it again. Talking vision is, of course, available on the Vision Style Radio website at RVA radio.org. That's RVA radio all one word.org. You can also find the program on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia library. And now it's my great pleasure to welcome Stella Glory back to the program. Catching up this week with Megan Herd.

Now we all want to stay home for longer, but what happens if our independence is compromised by age along with our health concerns? Well, to have a chat with me about home care packages, I'm speaking with Vision Australia's business lead for home care packages, Megan Hurd. Hi Megan, thanks for your time today. Hi, Stella, thanks for having me. So in a nutshell, for people who are listening in and may not be familiar with home care packages, what is a home care package?

Now we all want to stay home for longer, but what happens if our independence is compromised by age along with our health concerns? Well, to have a chat with me about home care packages, I'm speaking with Vision Australia's business lead for home care packages, Megan Hurd. Hi Megan, thanks for your time today. Hi, Stella, thanks for having me. So in a nutshell, for people who are listening in and may not be familiar with home care packages, what is a home care package?

Great question to start. So a home care package is coordinated and subsidised care that's provided by the government to support individuals who need assistance to continue living independently in their homes, rather than moving into residential care. Home care packages are a part of the aged care services and are available to older Australians who require assistance with daily activities and personal care.

Great question to start. So a home care package is coordinated and subsidised care that's provided by the government to support individuals who need assistance to continue living independently in their homes, rather than moving into residential care. Home care packages are a part of the aged care services and are available to older Australians who require assistance with daily activities and personal care.

So the one thing I did mentioned people would be quite surprised to know that Vision Australia is a home care package provider, and it hasn't been recent. We've been in this space for almost a decade now.

So the one thing I did mentioned people would be quite surprised to know that Vision Australia is a home care package provider, and it hasn't been recent. We've been in this space for almost a decade now.

That is correct. We have. We've been providing blind and low vision home care package services supports to people over 65 for the better part of ten years now.

That is correct. We have. We've been providing blind and low vision home care package services supports to people over 65 for the better part of ten years now.

So who is a Vision Australia home care package designed for?

So who is a Vision Australia home care package designed for?

Yeah thanks Stella. So a Vision Australia home care package is designed to support the blind and low vision community with their services at home. Age related vision loss, things like macular degeneration, people who are blind or other vision loss concerns, things like diabetic retinopathy, things like stroke and trauma are also where we can support the blind and low vision community with a home care package. It's designed to support individuals that are aged 65 years or older or 50 years and older. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who need assistance to continue living independently in their own homes.

Yeah thanks Stella. So a Vision Australia home care package is designed to support the blind and low vision community with their services at home. Age related vision loss, things like macular degeneration, people who are blind or other vision loss concerns, things like diabetic retinopathy, things like stroke and trauma are also where we can support the blind and low vision community with a home care package. It's designed to support individuals that are aged 65 years or older or 50 years and older. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who need assistance to continue living independently in their own homes.

So let's imagine I'm 75 years old, but I'm still quite independent. But it's come a time where I need just a few things, you know, a little bit of help around the home. But I might view home care package as being for someone who's incapacitated, perhaps.

So let's imagine I'm 75 years old, but I'm still quite independent. But it's come a time where I need just a few things, you know, a little bit of help around the home. But I might view home care package as being for someone who's incapacitated, perhaps.

Yeah. So it's really important to understand that there's four levels of home care package support. So you've got your level one three to level four. And your level one is for your basic care needs. So Stella identifying at 75 that you need just a little bit of help. We would probably assume that you would be aligned to a level one home care package, which is basic care needs, and it's designed for individuals that just have that need some support with some basic duties at home, things like domestic assistance or perhaps some transport for social support. Um, and it provides a small amount of funding that's going to support assistance with simple daily tasks.

Yeah. So it's really important to understand that there's four levels of home care package support. So you've got your level one three to level four. And your level one is for your basic care needs. So Stella identifying at 75 that you need just a little bit of help. We would probably assume that you would be aligned to a level one home care package, which is basic care needs, and it's designed for individuals that just have that need some support with some basic duties at home, things like domestic assistance or perhaps some transport for social support. Um, and it provides a small amount of funding that's going to support assistance with simple daily tasks.

And why would someone choose Vision Australia as a home care package?

And why would someone choose Vision Australia as a home care package?

I love this question because the benefits of having Vision Australia support you with your home care package. Vision Australia has specialized knowledge and experience in providing services that are tailored to the needs of individuals with vision impairment. This could include assistance with orientation and mobility, assistive technology, occupational therapy, recreation groups, our check in and chat and quality living groups. We have a deep understanding of the unique challenges that are faced by individuals with vision impairment. It allows us to offer a more targeted and effective support to our clients.

I love this question because the benefits of having Vision Australia support you with your home care package. Vision Australia has specialized knowledge and experience in providing services that are tailored to the needs of individuals with vision impairment. This could include assistance with orientation and mobility, assistive technology, occupational therapy, recreation groups, our check in and chat and quality living groups. We have a deep understanding of the unique challenges that are faced by individuals with vision impairment. It allows us to offer a more targeted and effective support to our clients.

I did have the opportunity to speak with one homecare participant, who is also a client, and a pre-existing like an existing client of Vision Australia, who said, why would I go anywhere else for my home care package?

I did have the opportunity to speak with one homecare participant, who is also a client, and a pre-existing like an existing client of Vision Australia, who said, why would I go anywhere else for my home care package?

That's great to hear. And I think for a client to make a statement like that, which we we do here quite often, you know, we're able to really support the blind and low vision community to maintain their independence. And probably the most prevalent thing that we do support our clients with is the assistance of allied health therapies. So orientation and mobility, which will support you to remain independent and mobile throughout your vision loss, um, but also equipment and aid. So there can be things like large button remotes for TVs or even what we have, what we call our CCTV equipment, which allows people to read bills, um, and, you know, magazines or things like that, which, again, promotes independence within the home. And our CCTV, um, acts as a magnifier so that people who have macular degeneration or a version of vision loss that allows them to use that piece of equipment to keep them independent and reading their bills and things like that.

That's great to hear. And I think for a client to make a statement like that, which we we do here quite often, you know, we're able to really support the blind and low vision community to maintain their independence. And probably the most prevalent thing that we do support our clients with is the assistance of allied health therapies. So orientation and mobility, which will support you to remain independent and mobile throughout your vision loss, um, but also equipment and aid. So there can be things like large button remotes for TVs or even what we have, what we call our CCTV equipment, which allows people to read bills, um, and, you know, magazines or things like that, which, again, promotes independence within the home. And our CCTV, um, acts as a magnifier so that people who have macular degeneration or a version of vision loss that allows them to use that piece of equipment to keep them independent and reading their bills and things like that.

And I think with that independence and having something like being able to read your own bills to continue to do that, it's a double positive because it leads to independence, which also increases your confidence, which in turn increases your independence.

And I think with that independence and having something like being able to read your own bills to continue to do that, it's a double positive because it leads to independence, which also increases your confidence, which in turn increases your independence.

Absolutely. And I think it's something that we focus a lot on with our clients, is ensuring that that confidence remains intact. And we do that through various things. One of them is obviously what we've just discussed, which is the Vision Australia or blind and low vision equipment and Aids. But we also have other programs within Vision Australia, things like our checking and chat program. We also have our Vision Australia recreation groups, and we also have our quality living groups, which are there to support people through the challenges of living with a vision impairment to, you know, keep them independent and remaining confident as they go through life.

Absolutely. And I think it's something that we focus a lot on with our clients, is ensuring that that confidence remains intact. And we do that through various things. One of them is obviously what we've just discussed, which is the Vision Australia or blind and low vision equipment and Aids. But we also have other programs within Vision Australia, things like our checking and chat program. We also have our Vision Australia recreation groups, and we also have our quality living groups, which are there to support people through the challenges of living with a vision impairment to, you know, keep them independent and remaining confident as they go through life.

And what areas is our home care packages services available in at the moment?

And what areas is our home care packages services available in at the moment?

So we're currently servicing blind and low vision clients in Victoria, um and Sydney, South Wollongong and the Illawarra regions.

So we're currently servicing blind and low vision clients in Victoria, um and Sydney, South Wollongong and the Illawarra regions.

And what are the steps for someone to find out more information or to access a Vision Australia home care package?

And what are the steps for someone to find out more information or to access a Vision Australia home care package?

Thanks, Stella. Great question. So you can contact us via phone one 308 40746. You can also access the Vision Australia website and select services for older adults, where you can see all the information regarding our Home Care Packages program. From here you can download an informative brochure, see our schedule of fees and submit an enquiry. If you'd like a member of our Home Care Packages team to make contact for a more detailed discussion.

Thanks, Stella. Great question. So you can contact us via phone one 308 40746. You can also access the Vision Australia website and select services for older adults, where you can see all the information regarding our Home Care Packages program. From here you can download an informative brochure, see our schedule of fees and submit an enquiry. If you'd like a member of our Home Care Packages team to make contact for a more detailed discussion.

That's fantastic. And I have been speaking with Megan Hurd, who is Vision Australia's business lead for home care packages. Thanks for your time today.

That's fantastic. And I have been speaking with Megan Hurd, who is Vision Australia's business lead for home care packages. Thanks for your time today.

Thank you Stella.

Thank you Stella.

I'm here today with doctor Nathan Kerr, a Melbourne based off the modernist who specialises in the treatment of glaucoma. And what better time to have a chat with Nathan than around World Glaucoma Week? Nathan, welcome to the show. Thanks so much for your time today.

I'm here today with doctor Nathan Kerr, a Melbourne based off the modernist who specialises in the treatment of glaucoma. And what better time to have a chat with Nathan than around World Glaucoma Week? Nathan, welcome to the show. Thanks so much for your time today.

Thanks for having me, Sam.

Thanks for having me, Sam.

Firstly, Nathan, let's get into the importance of occasions like World Glaucoma Week for raising awareness for glaucoma. So what does this sort of mean from an eye specialists perspective?

Firstly, Nathan, let's get into the importance of occasions like World Glaucoma Week for raising awareness for glaucoma. So what does this sort of mean from an eye specialists perspective?

Yeah. Thanks, Sam. That's a great question. Well, World Glaucoma Week is an annual global event that aims to raise awareness about glaucoma and its impact on vision. This event provides us an excellent opportunity to educate people about the importance of regular eye exams, early detection and treatment of glaucoma, and it also helps to promote the need for increased funding for glaucoma research, which is critical for developing new treatments and finding a cure for this disease.

Yeah. Thanks, Sam. That's a great question. Well, World Glaucoma Week is an annual global event that aims to raise awareness about glaucoma and its impact on vision. This event provides us an excellent opportunity to educate people about the importance of regular eye exams, early detection and treatment of glaucoma, and it also helps to promote the need for increased funding for glaucoma research, which is critical for developing new treatments and finding a cure for this disease.

What's some advice that you can give for prevention? And also, I guess, a bit of a two barreled question how often and when should people get tested?

What's some advice that you can give for prevention? And also, I guess, a bit of a two barreled question how often and when should people get tested?

Yeah, that's a really important point. So there's no known way to prevent glaucoma entirely. But there are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing the disease, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight, avoiding smoking, and for people with diabetes, controlling their blood sugars to help reduce the risk of diabetes, eye problems, which include glaucoma. And it's absolutely critical that people get tested regularly for glaucoma, especially for those people who are at high risk of the disease. Glaucoma Australia recommends that people get their first eye exam at the age of 35, and then every 1 to 2 years thereafter, depending on their risk factors for developing the disease. People with a family history of glaucoma, people with high pressure diabetes taking steroid medication, or people of African descent should get tested more frequently. And I think the best place to get your initial eye exam is with your local optometrist, and they'll perform a number of tests on your eye. They'll measure your eye pressure. They'll look at the little drainage channels to see if they're open or whether they're blocked. They'll assess your optic nerve, which is what transmits the pictures from an eye to the brain. And they'll also do a test of your peripheral vision. It's critical that all of those tests are done to help detect glaucoma, not simply just to measure eye pressure, because we know that 30 to 40% of people with glaucoma have never had high pressure. And all of these tests are really easy. They're painless, they're not uncomfortable. They can be done in a matter of minutes, and then people can go home. They might put some drops in to dilate your pupils, which may mean your vision may be mildly blurred for 1 to 2 hours afterwards. So it might be best to get somebody to drive you to that test.

Yeah, that's a really important point. So there's no known way to prevent glaucoma entirely. But there are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing the disease, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight, avoiding smoking, and for people with diabetes, controlling their blood sugars to help reduce the risk of diabetes, eye problems, which include glaucoma. And it's absolutely critical that people get tested regularly for glaucoma, especially for those people who are at high risk of the disease. Glaucoma Australia recommends that people get their first eye exam at the age of 35, and then every 1 to 2 years thereafter, depending on their risk factors for developing the disease. People with a family history of glaucoma, people with high pressure diabetes taking steroid medication, or people of African descent should get tested more frequently. And I think the best place to get your initial eye exam is with your local optometrist, and they'll perform a number of tests on your eye. They'll measure your eye pressure. They'll look at the little drainage channels to see if they're open or whether they're blocked. They'll assess your optic nerve, which is what transmits the pictures from an eye to the brain. And they'll also do a test of your peripheral vision. It's critical that all of those tests are done to help detect glaucoma, not simply just to measure eye pressure, because we know that 30 to 40% of people with glaucoma have never had high pressure. And all of these tests are really easy. They're painless, they're not uncomfortable. They can be done in a matter of minutes, and then people can go home. They might put some drops in to dilate your pupils, which may mean your vision may be mildly blurred for 1 to 2 hours afterwards. So it might be best to get somebody to drive you to that test.

And in regards to treatment, Nathan, unfortunately there's still, as I understand, there's no known cure for glaucoma, but what's the current progress on different treatment options and also the best practice currently? Yeah.

And in regards to treatment, Nathan, unfortunately there's still, as I understand, there's no known cure for glaucoma, but what's the current progress on different treatment options and also the best practice currently? Yeah.

So we're now fortunate to have multiple different treatment options available for people with glaucoma. And the treatment does depend on the severity of the disease and the individual's specific situation. But in general, the goal of treatment is to help lower eye pressure, to help slow or stop glaucoma from getting worse. And we can do that through using eye drops, laser therapy or surgery. And the best approach depends on really taking a personalized encounter based on the patient's specific situation, their age, their overall health and their other medical conditions. And it often involves a combination of treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes. These days, for people who are newly diagnosed with glaucoma, we often do a painless light or laser therapy called selective laser trabecular plasti, and this treatment takes a few minutes. Doesn't hurt. It's performed in the office and helps provide control of high pressure, often without the need for daily glaucoma eyedrops. And we now also have newly developed small stents or catheter procedures, which can help open up the drainage channels. And these are called minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. And they're often performed at the time of cataract surgery. But they can also be performed by themselves. For people who are having problems with eyedrops, such as pain, discomfort where the eyedrops are not working or they're forgetting to take their eyedrops. So it's great that we now have multiple different treatment options that can help control this disease for people, often without the need for daily glaucoma, eyedrops.

So we're now fortunate to have multiple different treatment options available for people with glaucoma. And the treatment does depend on the severity of the disease and the individual's specific situation. But in general, the goal of treatment is to help lower eye pressure, to help slow or stop glaucoma from getting worse. And we can do that through using eye drops, laser therapy or surgery. And the best approach depends on really taking a personalized encounter based on the patient's specific situation, their age, their overall health and their other medical conditions. And it often involves a combination of treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes. These days, for people who are newly diagnosed with glaucoma, we often do a painless light or laser therapy called selective laser trabecular plasti, and this treatment takes a few minutes. Doesn't hurt. It's performed in the office and helps provide control of high pressure, often without the need for daily glaucoma eyedrops. And we now also have newly developed small stents or catheter procedures, which can help open up the drainage channels. And these are called minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. And they're often performed at the time of cataract surgery. But they can also be performed by themselves. For people who are having problems with eyedrops, such as pain, discomfort where the eyedrops are not working or they're forgetting to take their eyedrops. So it's great that we now have multiple different treatment options that can help control this disease for people, often without the need for daily glaucoma, eyedrops.

And what are some warning signs for people to look out for if they're perhaps thinking, oh, this isn't looking good, or they know somebody who's talking about certain symptoms or certain experience that they're having. What sort of things should people be on the lookout for?

And what are some warning signs for people to look out for if they're perhaps thinking, oh, this isn't looking good, or they know somebody who's talking about certain symptoms or certain experience that they're having. What sort of things should people be on the lookout for?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Good point. So in the early stages of glaucoma. There are usually no warning signs or symptoms. Even if you feel your eyesight is perfect. You're having no problems with your vision. You should still go and get tested. But as the disease progresses, people might notice peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, or even complete vision loss. But often those are very light signs. And that's why it's critical to have eye exams regularly so you can detect glaucoma at an early stage before significant vision loss has occurred.

Good point. So in the early stages of glaucoma. There are usually no warning signs or symptoms. Even if you feel your eyesight is perfect. You're having no problems with your vision. You should still go and get tested. But as the disease progresses, people might notice peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, or even complete vision loss. But often those are very light signs. And that's why it's critical to have eye exams regularly so you can detect glaucoma at an early stage before significant vision loss has occurred.

Now, Nathan, when should people refer to low vision services for support if, for example, their vision does deteriorate and they do need some support?

Now, Nathan, when should people refer to low vision services for support if, for example, their vision does deteriorate and they do need some support?

Mhm. So if an individual's vision has deteriorated to the point where it affects their daily life, they should consider seeking support from low vision services like Vision Australia. These services help provide individuals to make the most of their remaining vision and improve their quality of life. Some signs that may indicate that a person may need low vision services include difficulty with reading, recognizing faces, or performing daily tasks such as cooking or cleaning. But it's important to note that seeking support from low vision services doesn't mean that other treatments are not going to work or not suitable. So the low vision services really work in combination with the medical treatments to help preserve and, where possible, improve people's vision.

Mhm. So if an individual's vision has deteriorated to the point where it affects their daily life, they should consider seeking support from low vision services like Vision Australia. These services help provide individuals to make the most of their remaining vision and improve their quality of life. Some signs that may indicate that a person may need low vision services include difficulty with reading, recognizing faces, or performing daily tasks such as cooking or cleaning. But it's important to note that seeking support from low vision services doesn't mean that other treatments are not going to work or not suitable. So the low vision services really work in combination with the medical treatments to help preserve and, where possible, improve people's vision.

Nathan, thank you very much. I've been speaking today with Doctor Nathan Kerr of the modest and glaucoma specialist from Melbourne here today to observe World Glaucoma Week, happening from the 12th to the 18th of March. Nathan, thank you very much for your time today. It was a pleasure having a chat with you.

Nathan, thank you very much. I've been speaking today with Doctor Nathan Kerr of the modest and glaucoma specialist from Melbourne here today to observe World Glaucoma Week, happening from the 12th to the 18th of March. Nathan, thank you very much for your time today. It was a pleasure having a chat with you.

Thank you for having me, Sam.

Thank you for having me, Sam.

Now. Finally, this week we finish up with a little bit of news and information and the Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt is back for 2024 at Rosalind Park in Bendigo. On Good Friday, March the 29th, 2024 from 9:40 a.m. to 5 p.m., join the exciting search for 85,000 Easter eggs in Rosslyn Park on Good Friday. You can come and say hello to Vision Australia seeing our dogs, who will also be part of the Easter action. Tickets will be available for purchase prior to the event by visiting the Bendigo Visitor Centre website. Bendigo region. Com.au. That's Bendigo region all one word. Com.au or you can also call them on 1800 813 153. That's 1800 813 153. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Bendigo Visitor Centre itself at 51 to 67 Pall Mall, Bendigo. That's 51 to 67 Pall Mall, Bendigo. For more information about the Bendigo Easter Egg Hunt, you can also head to Bendigo Easter festival.org a year. That's Bendigo Easter festival.org.io and that's all the time we have for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the show together every week. And remember we love hearing from you. So please get in touch anytime on our email at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. That's talking vision or one word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam Cowley saying bye for now.

Now. Finally, this week we finish up with a little bit of news and information and the Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt is back for 2024 at Rosalind Park in Bendigo. On Good Friday, March the 29th, 2024 from 9:40 a.m. to 5 p.m., join the exciting search for 85,000 Easter eggs in Rosslyn Park on Good Friday. You can come and say hello to Vision Australia seeing our dogs, who will also be part of the Easter action. Tickets will be available for purchase prior to the event by visiting the Bendigo Visitor Centre website. Bendigo region. Com.au. That's Bendigo region all one word. Com.au or you can also call them on 1800 813 153. That's 1800 813 153. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Bendigo Visitor Centre itself at 51 to 67 Pall Mall, Bendigo. That's 51 to 67 Pall Mall, Bendigo. For more information about the Bendigo Easter Egg Hunt, you can also head to Bendigo Easter festival.org a year. That's Bendigo Easter festival.org.io and that's all the time we have for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the show together every week. And remember we love hearing from you. So please get in touch anytime on our email at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. That's talking vision or one word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam Cowley saying bye for now.

You can contact Virgin Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on one 308 4746. That's one 384 746 or by visiting Vision australia.org. That's Vision Australia call.

You can contact Virgin Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on one 308 4746. That's one 384 746 or by visiting Vision australia.org. That's Vision Australia call.