Understanding vision loss

While there are some common causes, the experience of people who are blind or have low vision is unique. This page has some information to get you started, but it’s always best to talk to our team—we provide individual programs for your child and family to help achieve the best possible outcomes.

It's estimated that one out of every 2,500 children born in Australia will be diagnosed with severe vision loss.

But those figures aren't exact. That's why NextSense maintains the Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register (ACVIR), the only national register of children with significant vision loss. We encourage children (from birth to 18 years) and their families to join the register, to help build an accurate picture of childhood vision loss across Australia, and to identify the supports children and their families need.

What causes vision loss in children?

Many things can cause vision loss in children, including

eye conditions that have been inherited
the influence of pre-term birth on the child’s eyes and their brain; and
other conditions that children are born with, or develop as they grow.

Different parts of the visual system can be affected, such as:

the eye
the connections between the eye and the brain
the parts of the brain involved in vision.

The importance of early intervention

A tailored approach to early intervention is important for children who are blind or have low vision to ensure:

all areas of their development are on track and not delayed
they have early access to literacy by introducing assistive technology, low vision aids and/or braille, as required
they have early access to orientation and mobility support.

What is orientation and mobility?

Good question! Orientation and mobility (or O&M, as it's known) is about helping people who are blind or have low vision to move safely and independently through an environment.

When it comes to O&M, the earlier these skills are introduced, the more confidently and independently people with vision loss can navigate their world.

And depending on their age, personal preference, degree of vision, the types of activities they engage with and the environments they need to move in, there are a range of O&M supports, including:

assistance from a sighted guide
a cane, or a pushable mobility device for young children
a guide dog
assistive devices and other technologies, such as electronic travel aids that use ultrasound or infrared light to detect when a physical object is near.

For more information about vision loss, and how NextSense can support people who are blind or have low vision, get in touch with our Client Care team.

Get in touch

Early Intervention—vision

For children who are blind or have low vision, tailored opportunities for early learning build confidence and set the foundations for higher learning and critical life skills.
Vision Assessments

We provide specialist and functional vision assessments to determine the level of your child's vision, vision development, and work with you to develop strategies for your child.
Accessibility and Inclusion

We help individuals, community groups, businesses and organisations that need to access printed materials in their choice of alternative format.
Allied Health and therapy

We offer integrated allied health services, or speech therapy, for children and adults with hearing or vision loss.
NextSense School

NextSense School is a specialist campus for children with hearing or vision loss.
Preschools and Kindergarten

NextSense Preschool and Kindergarten offer a supportive environment for children with hearing or vision loss.
Connected Services

We support children who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision—wherever you are in Australia.
Service guides and handbooks

Access downloadable guides for all NextSense services, as well as a guide to NextSense Institute, our centre for research and education.
NextSense and the NDIS

As a registered NDIS provider, we’re here to help you access services and resources that you, your child or family need.