Mobile Eye Clinic Newsletter #2

Vision and Depression

Since sight is arguably our most important sense, it is no surprise that many people experience low moods when faced with vision loss. When these low moods become intense and persist for long periods of time, this may signify clinical depression. In fact, an estimated one third of older visually impaired adults show clinically significant depressive symptoms.

For the vision impaired who suffer from depression, low vision rehabilitation can help them adjust to their circumstances. Research shows that rehabilitation services lead to improvements in quality of life, self esteem, and adjustment to vision loss.

Despite the effectiveness of rehabilitation, one study found that only 20 percent of visually impaired patients with depression are receiving treatment. Often, patients feel uncertain about asking for physiological therapy.

To address this issue, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has awarded the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) with a grant to train eye practitioners in how to manage depression. The hope is that eye practitioners can eliminate unnecessary depression by linking patients with much-needed treatment.

Introducing Fitover Sunglasses

Mobile Eye Clinic now stocks Fitover sunglasses that can be worn over glasses. Complete wrap styling provides maximum UV protection from any angle.