The recent “Low Vision Matters More” Conference, held at the Balalaika Hotel in Gauteng, brought together professionals, experts, and advocates from across South Africa for a powerful three-day event focused on advancing low vision care, research, and rehabilitation.
Delegates from multiple disciplines, including Optometrists, Occupational Therapists, and Orientation and Mobility Specialists, engaged in a rich programme featuring thought-provoking presentations, hands-on workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities. The conference was honoured to host internationally renowned speakers, Professor Beth Barstow and Dr Jason Vice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Their input is always well-received for its depth, practical relevance, and evidence-based insights.
The event followed a thematic structure across the three days, each dedicated to a different cate
ory of visual impairment: central vision loss, peripheral vision loss, and psychosocial adaptations and strategies relating to health literacy.
Each day began with a detailed exploration of the underlying pathologies, followed by diagnostic approaches and comprehensive management strategies specifically designed to address each condition. These theoretical components were powerfully reinforced through interactive practical sessions, allowing participants to experience the impact of different types of vision loss firsthand and to explore tailored strategies for support and intervention.
Our daily Spin and Win Competitions were fun and enjoyed by all. Our thanks go to all the companies for their generous donation of prizes, including Simon from EyeNav, who provided four free Silver Listings for EyeNav.co.za EyeCare Directory.
Feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive, praising not only the quality of the content and expert facilitation but also the exceptional organisation and opportunity for professional connection.
Some of the delegate feedback included:
“Empowering yourself with knowledge is truly invaluable. Thank you to the Low Vision Centre of Learning for the invitation to this annual conference. It was an honour to be part of it.”
“What a fantastic conference. Thank you!”
“Loved it! The information can drive policy and be applied across different phases of care. Thank you!”
“I loved the practical sessions and learned so much from them.”
“You deserve a 10 – 5 is just not high enough! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!”
With such positive momentum, the Low Vision Centre of Learning, in collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has already begun planning for the next instalment—“Low Vision Matters More and More”—scheduled for 2026.
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