An initiative by Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV) in association with the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital is set to improve the quality of life for many patients with poor eyesight.

The Centre for Vision Independence is a free, independent advisory service to help vision-impaired hospital patients better manage their loss of sight.

Located at 100 Victoria Parade, only 50 metres from the Eye and Ear, the centre offers impartial advice on issues such as pensions and concessions, advocacy and access, community support services, counselling services, employment support and mobility aids.

The centre also has a display room containing a range of low-vision tools, including magnifiers, adaptive technology and talking books.

Eye and Ear Hospital patients are referred to the centre by hospital ophthalmologists, orthoptists and nurses.

Chief Executive Officer Graeme Houghton said the hospital was delighted to be working with its partner organisation, Guide Dogs Victoria, on this project.

'Research conducted at the Eye and Ear showed many hospital patients with low vision were not aware of the services available to them in the community.

'That can negatively impact on their emotional wellbeing,' Mr Houghton said.

'The same research indicated that people who did access low vision services had significantly improved quality of life.'

Guide Dogs Victoria Chief Executive Officer Dr Graeme White said the centre's

experienced professionals would refer patients to all appropriate Victorian providers of low-vision services and follow up to ensure patients received the assistance they required.

•           The Centre for Vision Independence is open from 11 a.m. to 5p.m., Monday to Friday.