Activities for low vision

Vision Australia is encouraging Peninsula residents living with vision impairment to get involved in the many activities on offer to them in Woy Woy and Ettalong Beach.

Ettalong Beach Bowling Club conducts a beginner's ballroom dancing class for people with low vision or blindness every Thursday from 9am to 10am, at a cost of $6.50 per lesson.

Recreational activities including the Woy Woy Walkers Group, Lawn Bowls, Tandem Bike Riding and Gentle Exercise classes are also on offer to local residents with vision impairment.

According to Vision Australia, the number of people who are blind or have low vision is set to double by 2020 and around 80 per cent of those living with blindness are over 50.

Vision Australia ambassador Mr Walter Bolin was diagnosed with an eye condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa in 1968, but this hasn't stopped the active 75 year-old from wanting to get the most out of life and encouraging others who are blind or have low vision to do the same.

Mr Bolin has been a great advocate of blindness issues for many years and in 2006, he received AM honours for his dedication to the cause.

"I want to encourage people to take advantage of the services available from Vision Australia," Mr Bolin said.

"People can sometimes be a little reluctant to seek help.

"I want them to overcome this reluctance and seek advice at an early stage so they can continue to lead active lives."

For more information about local activities on offer, contact Vision Australia on 1300 847 466.

Press release, 10 Mar 2009 Megan Denyer, Vision Australia Press release, 5 Mar 2009 Nathalie Gatt, Vision Australia