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Seeing Eye Dogs and their handlers gather in Perth to celebrate 65 years of Seeing Eye Dogs on International Guide Dog Day

Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs

Seeing Eye Dogs with their handlers.
Seeing Eye Dogs with their handlers.

Media Alert

April 2025

Seeing Eye Dogs | Seeing Eye Dogs Australia

This International Guide Dog Day (Wednesday April 30), a cohort of Seeing Eye Dogs and their handlers will come together to recognise the life-changing work of Seeing Eye Dogs.

The annual calendar event happens to fall on the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Seeing Eye Dogs, formerly known as the Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School.

Seeing Eye Dogs mobility instructor Matt Wood said that the day is a good reminder of the incredible work that a Seeing Eye Dog carries out.

“Seeing Eye Dogs equip our clients who are blind or have low vision with greater independence, increased confidence, safety, ease of mobility and even travel. These are things that they’ve been able to regain since their vision loss diagnosis,” said Matt.

“Our program has evolved over time, including the world-class training that we provide for the dogs. The Seeing Eye Dogs in our program are more than just physical guides, they also provide companionship for our clients and emotional support.

“Our program continues to grow; we have nearly 250 active handlers in Australia, which is the most we’ve ever had at one time. As the number of Australians with blindness and low vision are predicted to grow to over half a million by 2030, the need for Seeing Eye Dogs is greater than ever.”

Media Call Details:

What

Seeing Eye Dogs and their handlers come together to celebrate 65 years of Seeing Eye Dogs on International Guide Dogs Day.

Seeing Eye Dog handler, Dr Geraldine Lane, will give a keynote speech, followed by a celebratory morning tea.

When

Wednesday April 30

11:00am to 12:00pm

Where

Vision Australia Perth

148 Railway Parade, Leederville 6007

Vision Opportunities
  • Seeing Eye Dogs and their handlers, interacting with one another.
  • Training demonstrations by Seeing Eye Dogs instructor, Matt Wood.
  • Seeing Eye Dogs and their handlers are surprised by the unveiling of a ‘wall of fame’ which captures photographs of every active Seeing Eye Dog in Perth.
  • Interview with Seeing Eye Dog handler, Dr Geraldine Lane, and her Seeing Eye Dog, Noodle.

 

- Ends –


About us:

Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs is the only national provider, trainer, and breeder of Seeing Eye Dogs in Australia. 

Our Seeing Eye Dogs support people across the country who are blind or have low vision to live safe, active and independent lives.

 Visit our website at www.sed.visionaustralia.org

 


Contact details:

Stephanie Steinhoff-Pino | 0449 254 655 | [email protected]

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Seeing Eye Dogs with their handlers.

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Seeing Eye Dogs with their handlers.
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