Photo: Dan Shepherd (GM Community & Inclusion) and Sarah Mitchell (Head of Employment & Youth Pathways) with Dan’s guide dog Ezra
On Monday 24 February 2025, final-year Optometry students from the OPTOM 520 course participated in the Matarehu/Low Vision Day.
The event began with a session designed to refresh students’ knowledge of low vision and case analysis, setting the stage for a day of insightful learning and meaningful interactions. Later in the morning, the students engaged with an interactive video on low vision refraction before meeting and conversing with individuals living with low vision. Volunteers with various low vision conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, albinism, and optic atrophy caused by fungal meningitis, shared their personal stories. This experience provided students with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these individuals—how everyday tasks become more difficult and the vital role that visual aids or alternative techniques play in daily life.
Listening to the volunteers’ personal stories and experiencing firsthand the impact of low vision on contrast sensitivity and visual fields further reinforced the students’ understanding that, regardless of the underlying condition, people with low vision can all benefit from assistance in their daily lives. One of the most memorable moments came when students introduced the volunteers to the “Seeing AI” app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Many volunteers were amazed by the app’s ability to read text aloud and describe their surroundings, offering valuable support for everyday tasks.
A special highlight of the day was the presence of four guide dogs, who brought joy to the students. Several were fortunate enough to give the dogs a pat once their work duties were completed.
The School of Optometry and Vision Science would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making Low Vision Day a success, especially to those who travelled long distances to attend this enriching event.