Orthoptic Vision Services

A New Vision Of Possibilities

Vision Matters aims to enhance quality of life through education and skill development to optimise independence, self-confidence and social-inclusion in those who have low vision.

Vision Matters is committed to working collaboratively with clients and their families to deliver innovative and individualised solutions to overcome challenges faced due to vision loss.

Natalia Kelly

BOrth&OphthSc, PGDiplHltResMthds

Natalia established Vision Matters to integrate ophthalmic technology with low vision intervention. She is committed to providing excellence and offering innovative practices that are on the forefront of low vision care.

Natalia has been a low vision Orthoptist since 2003. She takes a holistic approach to providing comprehensive evidence based services to ensure you have the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions. She will provide you with the tools to achieve your visual potential and live the life you choose.

In addition to clinical practice, Natalia also lectures at LaTrobe University in the Discipline of Orthoptics.

For more information about working with Natalia please click on video link here.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

General Low Vision Service

Comprehensive vision assessment and information about the implications of vision loss on visual performance

Enhancement of reading ability, efficiency and accuracy of print
(including magnification assessment)

Optimisation of vision for general activities of daily life

Strategies to assist with visual fatigue

Management of glare sensitivity

Lighting assessment to tailor lighting for near tasks and at home

Family education to help understand your loved one’s vision loss

Specialised Low Vision Services

Eccentric Viewing Training

Scanning Training to develop visual field awareness

Paediatric visual functional assessment (including understanding of vision loss, intervention strategies to support learning and development and collaboration with educators)

Functional vision assessment and intervention of neurological visual impairment (such as. cerebral visual impairment, dementia, acquired brain injury and brain tumour)

Functional vision assessment and intervention for children with visual difficulties due to sensory processing anomalies (such as: autism (ASD), auditory processing disorder and cerebral palsy)

Biofeedback Training

Vision Matters is the first in Australia to integrate biofeedback technology into low vision intervention. Natalia has developed unique training programs which employ biofeedback to optimise vision for every day activities. The following programs are exclusive to Vision Matters:

Eccentric Viewing Training – Helps those with central vision loss improve their vision by teaching them how to use a healthier retinal area their peripheral vision. This program is ideal for those who have lost macular function.
Fixation Stability Training – Optimises vision in those with vision loss by stabilising the eye so the image can be seen more clearly. This program will help people with poor fixation stability, who report the image to “jump” or move around.
Null Point Training – Aimed at improving vision by reducing nystagmus eye movements. This program will be suitable for those who have nystagmus, which is the involuntary oscillations of the eyes.

Neurological Visual Impairment (NVI)

The prevalence of NVI is on the increase. It is reported that more than 40% of the brain is dedicated to processing visual input. Thus, impairment to the brain can cause the inability to understand visual information.

Natalia has extensive experience in assessment and intervention of individuals with visual processing difficulties, in particular, those with cerebral visual impairment, acquired brain injury and brain tumour.

Natalia has also provided professional development and mentoring to educators and allied health professionals in the area of neurological visual impairment.

Referrals

Vision Matters provides low vision services for the purposes of managing vision loss for daily activities. To ensure there is no underlying pathology causing risk to vision, an ophthalmologist, orthoptist, optometrist or medical referral is required.

Referrals should contain information that is no older than 6 months (exemption for those with NVI or sensory processing disorders).

The referral form is available for download here.

Location

Clinic appointments are available Tuesday and Thurday.

Home, childcare, kindergarten, school and workplace visits are also available by appointment.

For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact:

1 Whitehorse Rd,
Deepdene VIC 3103
Australia

Phone: 0419 533 326

E: visionmatters@outlook.com