Credit: BLVNZ

In partnership with Vision Australia, Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ) has launched a dedicated equipment web shop to make shopping more accessible and convenient for people with vision impairment in New Zealand, it said.

BLVNZ’s last online shopping site was retired a few years ago and clients have been keen to see a new solution for some time now, said Sophie Watt, BLVNZ’s equipment solutions manager. “Clients have also been advocating for increased product options and, thanks to the partnership with Vision Australia, we can now provide a vastly expanded range of products at competitive price points.”

Designed with input from the vision impaired, the new web shop - https://shop.visionaustralia.org.nz/ - features a range of accessibility features, including high-contrast layouts, screen-reader compatibility and alternative text for images, said Watt. “(It) also offers supporting material, such as reviews and how-to guides, to give our clients the widest possible choice.”

If clients wish to purchase a white cane or replacement tip, however, BLVNZ still supplies these through its local offices, and can be purchased over the phone or via equipment.orders@blindlowvision.org.nz. For an assessment for an item, such as a cane or magnifier, clients should still contact BLVNZ on 0800 24 33 33, said Watt.

Financial support

BLVNZ can also assist clients with funding, including for hearing-aid fittings, tertiary education fees and support with paying for prescription lenses, she said. “If you have a client registered as fully eligible with BLVNZ and they identify as having financial hardship, they may apply for funding support for their glasses through the Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund.” Application forms are available at https://blindlowvision.org.nz/our-services/support-grants/, which can be emailed to pf@blindlowvision.org.nz.