DIGITAL native Ben Moxey is leading the way when it comes to helping those living with low vision and breaking through technological barriers.
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He works at Vision Australia's Hamilton office as an adaptive technology consultant.
His mission is to support people and build their skills so they have the confidence to do whatever they want to do regardless of their vision.
Mr Moxey was born with both retinas detached. As a child he received treatment on his right eye, which gave him limited vision.
But at the age of 19 the retina detached again and he was left with no sight. Mr Moxey was studying a diploma in computers at the time.
After he lost his sight, Mr Moxey was determined not to give up on his passion and started to use adaptive technologies.
He learnt to use a white cane so he could still go to the gym and taught himself how to use screen-reading software so he could still use his computer.
He landed a job in a call centre and worked there for five years.
Although he liked the people he worked with, he hated the job and went on the hunt for better opportunities.
A Certificate IV in Training and Assessment from TAFE gave Mr Moxey the qualifications he needed to start helping others using technology.
Mr Moxey, now 35, has been working for Vision Australia for six years.
He said Vision Australia aimed to support anyone living with low vision or blindness to achieve their maximum potential.
They employ a range of people, including occupational therapists, employment consultants and orthoptists, who help individuals reach their personal goals.
"I love helping others to realise that so much is possible," he said.
"They come in thinking, 'I can't read my own bills, use a computer or go on Facebook' but they can.
"It is really satisfying taking someone from thinking that it is too difficult to becoming fully independent again."
Vision Australia will hold open days this Friday, October 9 (10am and 4pm) and Saturday, October 10 (10am and 3pm) at Newcastle Jockey Club, Broadmeadow.
The aim of the open days is to help people discover the possibilities open to them.
For more information about the open days, go online to visionaustralia.org.