less sight. Despite increasing numbers of people losing their vision there is a fall in referrals to assessment services by Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. So when you are visiting your eye-care specialists make sure you ask them about the options they recommend for rehabilitation and assessment services. The new Compact HD magnifier is a very high quality portable magnifier useful for a wide range of everyday reading tasks. It has a fold out handle that is easy to hold, and the transition from an optical magnifier easy and intuitive. When the handle is folded behind the screen the Compact HD can be easily pushed around a page for extended reading. The Compact HD is one of many options in our of handheld magnifiers . It will suit someone who needs a reliable and lightweight magnifier that is robust and will last for many years. The best news is the price $825. Quantum Technology Assessment Services Our Low Vision Consultants can come to your home to assess your technology They will consider your vision status, lifestyle, interests and other supports you may have. Suitable vision aids can be left for trialling before any decisions are made. Living Successfully with Low Vision! There are many arguments for supporting seniors being able to obtain appropriate vision aids, but the biggest one would have to be economic. the right vision aids many people can continue to live independently and to ‘age in place’. The alternative is much higher levels of care in supported living, and with that comes much higher costs to government. Many people on the pension and with lower incomes simply cannot afford the vision aids they need. Unlike hearing aids there are very few options to support people losing their vision to remain independent and active. This is such a serious issue and we urge you to talk to your local politicians, seniors and community groups. We need lots of voices to be heard calling for easier access to vision aids. trial
Aged Care Update With the advent of the NDIS, much attention is focussed on the injustice of people over 65 not being eligible for NDIS funding. The National Aged Care Alliance (NACA) is a representative body of peak national organisations in aged care, including consumer groups, providers, unions and health professionals, working together to determine a more positive future for aged care in Australia. Recently NACA released a policy statement that supports securing access to assistive technologies, vision aids and equipment in the aged care area: people (including those with a disability) must have access to affordable aids and equipment to support their inclusion in society, their quality of life and independence. This may require providing earlier access to these products as a preventative measure. Age should not be a barrier to equitable access to the range of aids and equipment schemes. What Does Science Tell Us? “The prompt implementation of low vision aids in patients with macular degeneration will help them to maintain and regain reading ability, which can lead to an increase in independence, communication, mental agility and quality of life.” Nguyen, Weismann and Trauzettel-Klosinski . Low Vision Clinic and Research Laboratory, Centre of Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Germany (Acta Ophthalmologica, Volume 87, Issue 8, Jan 2009) ClearView C a Great Success! Earlier this year we introduced the new range of desktop magnifiers known as the ClearView C. In a very short time they have become the most popular desktop magnifiers in Australia. The ClearView C desktop magnifiers come in many styles, because everyone is different. There are models for people with simple needs to use at home right through to more sophisticated models for use in employment and education. Other suppliers will tell you that they have the best product. We will tell you that we have the biggest range of products and that before we recommend anything we will understand your needs and situation, and recommend the solution that best suits you. There isn’t a product that suits everyone, so please take the time to ring us and discover why Quantum has become the largest supplier of vision aids in Australia. It’s all about service; in your home or in one of our 5 showrooms, before you buy anything and well into the future.
100 and Strong! Herb Collie is a living testament to aging well. We are thrilled to introduce you to Herb who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Herb received a very special birthday present from the Department of Veterans Affairs – a ClearView C Flex 24, which he uses to magnify his mountains of paperwork, and also as his computer screen. Herb was a founding member of WROCCS, the Wynnum Region Organised Computing Club for Seniors, and still lives independently in his own home at Coorparoo, a treasure trove of tools and computer bits piled in every corner. Apart from some mobility issues, to be expected at his age, Herb is still very cheery and engaged with life, and continues to help others learn about computers. mEYE Photography Competition An initiative of Macular Disease Foundation this competition offers $13,000 worth of prizes. The competition theme is “See My World”. For more information call MDF on 1800 111 709 Budget Corner While we always strive to offer a very high level of service we recognise that there is a place for low cost services as well. Quantum is one of many suppliers that has joined a new concept for Australia, an on-line shop called My Low Vision Shop (MLVS). Often children and friends can buy products on-line cheaper than you can buy and that is the case with MLVS. So if you are looking for cheaper products and maybe don’t need the high level of in-home care you should check out My Low Vision Shop. Here is a low cost desktop magnifier designed and manufactured in The MyView desktop magnifier is available on MLVS for $3,140 (delivery and installation extra). The Eye-Pal Family In addition to the Eye-Pal Reader, the manufacturer, Freedom Scientific also produce another very popular reading machine, the Eye-Pal Ace. The Eye-Pal Ace, while still small and lightweight, has a screen so you can read along as it reads to you. Here is what Robert in Queensland thinks of it;