By BRIDGET SCOTT
A HAMPTON Park mother has praised Vision Australia’s services which have had a dramatic effect on the lives of two of her sons who are legally blind.
Mother of three Rebecca Rudling said “they’ve helped a lot” given her sons Ethan and Samuel have oculocutaneous albinism, as well as nystagmus and are very sensitive to the sunlight.
She said it’s not just the services, but the support you receive.
Three-year-old Ethan was diagnosed at only two months of age when his eyes started to move and his mother suspected he had a vision impairment.
Fifteen-month-old Samuel was diagnosed with the same condition as his older brother, but this hasn’t affected the happy go lucky attitude of the two boys.
Ethan still loves playing with twin brother Christian while Samuel can’t get enough of his musical toys.
Initially scared for the future of her sons, Ms Rudling was reassured due to the support of Vision Australia.
“They’re healthy, happy, young kids,” she said.
“They don’t know they see different.”
“With help from Vision Australia, they ensure their development is up to speed.”
Ms Rudling said she has plenty of contact with the early childhood educator who organises and determines which services people will need.
Vision Australia visits Ethan and Samuel at home and gives Rebecca knowledge and strategies to help with her son’s development.
Rebecca says that it has been invaluable to have the support of an organisation that genuinely cares about her family and her boys’ futures.
Vision Australia runs a Light a Candle Christmas Appeal which encourages people to donate to the organisation and help young children and adults living with a vision impairment.
This Christmas community members can light a virtual candle to help children like Ethan and Samuel by visiting www.lightacandle.net.au.
