Stroke Program

Client and Mobility Instructor at the
train ticket vendor machine.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT's Stroke Program addresses the specific needs of people with vision impairment resulting from stroke, tumour or brain injury. Unlike most vision impairment, the eyes may still function effectively, but the visual message may be misinterpreted or processed ineffectively due to sections of the brain that control vision being damaged.

This vision impairment may seriously affect mobility, causing people to bump into obstacles, misread street signs or become anxious in crowded areas. We teach clients to compensate for their vision loss by scanning effectively and consistently to their affected side. We also educate clients and their family or carers about the implications of this vision loss.

Like all our programs, this service is completely free of charge.

What is involved in the program?

Each program generally includes assessment and training. We visit people in hospital or their home to assess their functional vision, both when they are stationary and moving around. Together we determine whether they can move around safely and then identify the best program for their individual needs.

Training is graded from simple to more complex tasks. People are trained to compensate for the vision loss by implementing systematic scanning strategies which encourage head turning to the affected side. They may not require a mobility aid.

The program also includes Orientation and Mobility training in the client's home area and on their regular travel routes, so they can get around safely and independently. We also take into consideration any additional problems resulting from stroke or a brain injury.

After the training program, our clients receive regular follow-ups to confirm that their compensatory scanning strategies are still effective and they can travel safely and confidently.