An annual initiative by the World Health Organisation to focus on blindness and vision impairment
Held every year on the second Thursday of October, ‘World Sight Day’ is a campaign that’s focused on garnering global attention on blindness and visual impairment. First implemented by the World Health Organisation in 2000, this year’s World Sight Day will take place on 8 October 2020, which also marks the 20th anniversary of their advocacy and continued efforts.
Locally led by Vision 2020 Australia, the national peak body for the eye health and vision care sector, they ensure that this sector of healthcare remains high on the Australian government’s health, disability and international development agendas. Vision 2020 Australia’s overarching mission is centred on the “elimination of preventable blindness and vision loss and the full participation of people who are blind or have low vision in the community”.
Don’t let life get in the way of your vision health
Currently, an estimated number of more than 453,000 people in Australia are classified as blind or vision impaired, with predictions that this figure will almost double in 2030, unless action is taken now. 90% of vision loss and blindness is Australia is attributed to five main conditions, namely, refractive error, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataract and glaucoma. However, the good news is that it is preventable and/or treatable, if identified early.
Diabetes is the leading causation for avoidable vision loss, but only half of the people living with diabetes stay up to date with the recommended eye tests.
The key is to look after your sight by getting regular eye tests as part of your overall health care. If you notice a change in your vision, don’t delay in seeking treatment from your local optometrist. Identify and treating a potential issue with your eye health is best acted upon sooner rather than later.
Classic is dedicated to supporting Australia’s vision impaired community with holistic public access solutions
For over 38 years, Classic Architectural Group has been committed to making public spaces safe, attractive and accessible to all. Working closely with building professionals Australia-wide, we provide innovative, end-to-end public access solutions, from design to installation.
Servicing every industry including commercial, education, FMCG, retail, healthcare and hospitality, we create aesthetic, high-performance facility access solutions to complement infrastructure needs. Our high-quality tactile indicators ensure ease of access, orientation and floor safety for the visually impaired, especially in built areas where high levels of foot/wheeled traffic are anticipated.
The importance of tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) for the visually impaired
When combined with other environmental information, TGSIs provide orientation cues to assist people who are blind or vision-impaired with where they are and where they are going. Common areas of installation include stairways, ramps, escalators and moving walks.
For example, warning tactile indicators are often textured surface features applied to walking surfaces and intended to provide warnings of impending hazards, much like a stop sign. On the other hand, directional tactile indicators, such as directional bars, might be installed on walking surfaces to provide those with blindness or low vision with directional orientation.
With unrivalled knowledge of Australian standards, we’re one of the nation’s largest tactile ground surface indicators suppliers. Please be sure to explore our past projects specialising in tactile indicators to see our work in action.
Leading the way in all areas of public access systems from entrance matting to stair nosings, tactile indicators and so much more, Classic is here to bring dignity, independence and accessibility to all. For more information or to find out how we can take your project to the next level, please contact our friendly team by calling 1300 244 377 today.
