Patient Stories

Caring for residents with disability

ACO Eye Health optometrists bring eye care to some of Victoria’s most vulnerable communities - including people living in Supported Residential Services (SRS), who are unable to access mainstream health services due to complex medical conditions, intellectual disability or mental health conditions.

ACO Eye Health’s outreach programs make eye care accessible for people who would otherwise go without by bringing the clinic to them. The delivery of comprehensive eye tests and subsidised glasses is only possible through the partnerships with like-minded organisations that provide a familiar, safe setting for individuals to access our outreach eye care- such as Achmore Lodge.

Achmore Lodge is a Supported Residential Service that provides a home for over twenty people aged 24 to 86 living with complex health concerns, mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, intellectual disability or alcohol use disorder.

What is a SRS?

SRS’s are privately owned group homes which provide essential accommodation and support for Victorians who need help with everyday activities. Residents often suffer from multiple and/or complex physical or mental health issues that makes it difficult for them to access mainstream eye care services.

Our Outreach program proudly reaches patients in two out of three of all SRS sites in Victoria, making sure that these individuals are not left behind due to their circumstances.

Giving hope to SRS residents

ACO Eye Health has been caring for Achmore Lodge residents since 2001, ensuring they receive regular eye tests and timely referrals so they can maintain dignified independence. For most residents a simple visit to their local optometrist is just not possible due to limited mobility, communication difficulties and managing multiple health challenges.

Without timely intervention, preventable vision loss can lead to falls, loss of independence and ultimately a further disconnect from the world around them. For so many, the ability to read, watch the footy or engage in hobbies is central to daily life. Without the ability to engage in simple activities, the world for Achmore Lodge residents becomes very small.

As Josephine Li (ACO Eye Health General Manager of  Rural VES and Outreach Programs) explains, “In SRSs like, Achmore Lodge, residents find it incredibly difficult to access local optometrists because, quite often they would find difficult to transport themselves. Without ACO Eye Health coming here to provide the optometry services, these patients just won't ever get their eyes tested.”

“People that live here, they don't feel like going out or they’ve lost contact with medical services. I think it's even more important for them, because they may not notice that there is a change to the eye health. Their vision may be still good, but we might see cataracts, or we might see increased eye pressures, or we might see an optic nerve that's a little bit pale. And then I can get them into the service.” adds optometrist Christa Sipos- Ori

Providing eye care in these environments calls for clinician capabilities beyond the traditional practice, including trauma-informed communication, and the ability to build trust with people who have experienced isolation, exclusion or instability. Achmore Lodge residents live with complex intellectual disabilities, which can make communication and trust especially challenging. Receiving their eye care in the safe, familiar setting of their own home makes all the difference.

Yan, who has worked at Achmore Lodge for 30 years has seen firsthand the impact of the care received, “It is quite challenging, but I believe with the right people around we can support them and provide the right care. I do notice [when they are struggling with vision]; they will fall and it’s difficult to see that. 

[With their glasses,] I can see them drawing, I can see them watching TV, but they're not squinting like they were before. They can play bingo now because they can see numbers! Please don't stop coming, because it’s very important.”- Yan (Achmore Lodge staff)