Services Update
Page 20
Updating your eye information
The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind is one of the most sought-after sources of blindness statistical information within New Zealand. As a result we endeavour to keep your eye information on our database as current as possible. However, for many of you, your information has not been updated for some time.
This information is useful when:
- Assisting members in their rehabilitation plan
- Planning future service requirements for members
- Setting up support groups
- Consulting with government agencies for funding
- Reporting annual statistics to Government
- Conducting and establishing priorities for research.
We appreciate that some eye conditions are constant and members do not experience a vision change. However, with others their vision may go through a series of changes and this updated information is of value to us.
So when you next visit your eye professional, can you please request that a copy of the report be sent to us care of:
- your local RNZFB office or
- Fax to 09 355 6919 or
- Post to: RNZFB, Private Bag 99941, Newmarket, Auckland
As always your personal information is treated in the strictest confidence.
Financial assistance
The Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund assists RNZFB members to obtain a wide range of equipment.
Members not eligible for funding from other sources may lease closed circuit television systems and adaptive technology via the Fund. The number of leases has risen from 160 in January 2001 to just over 500.
Placement service up and running
The five RNZFB Vocational Placement Coordinators (VPC) around the country have been actively working with members to facilitate placements into a variety of professions from farm labourer to business owner. A sixth VPC, Emma Carreon was hired in Auckland. Since July 1, staff have assisted 13 members into gainful employment. For more information about the placement service, please contact your local Foundation office and ask to speak to the VPC for your area.