New vision centre passes review

By Melissa Meehan
TRAVELLING to Seaford or Kooyong from Dandenong would be a trying task for most. Imagine relying on public transport to get you there, and that you have vision impairment.
This was a necessary journey for Dandenong resident Len O’Brien until now.
Vision Australia recently opened a custom-built facility along the Princes Highway that will allow Mr O’Brien a much shorter, safer journey to receive the services he needs.
Mr O’Brien, who suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), said that the centre opening in Dandenong would go a long way to ensure that he remains independent.
“Catching public transport to go to Seaford would take me an hour at least,” Mr O’Brien said. “But just being able to walk five minutes down the street is wonderful.”
He said he was impressed with the facility after a short tour.
“The services that will be available to people are just wonderful,” he said. “State of the art digital aspects, including voice-operated technology and anything else that will help people like me stay independent.”
Chief Executive Officer for Vision Australia Gerard Menses said he was excited to develop local links to Dandenong with the opening of the centre.
“This state-of-the-art facility will set the benchmark in terms of accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision,” Mr Menses said. “We rely on the support of local communities and we are looking forward to establishing local links with the people of Greater Dandenong.”