Macular Degeneration Helping Hands

Advances in the Treatment and Management of Macular Degeneration FREE Educational Seminar

2011-01-29T06:21:00.000-08:00

The Macular Degeneration Association is proud to announce our second FREE educational seminar. The seminar is co-sponsored by WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL and the Center for Retina and Macular Diseases. The seminar is on the advances that have been made in the treatment and management of macular degeneration. The guest lecturer is Dr. Michael Tolentino from Winter Haven, he is a well known Retina Specialist and researcher in this field. He has helped developed the current treatments such as Lucentis, Macugen and more. It will be held on Monday, February 7, 2011 form 12:00-4:00 pm in the Winter Haven Hospital's Auditorium. There will be information packets provided as well as refreshments and there will be a question and answer session following the lecture. Seating is Limited and Registration is required. Please call Donna to register for this event at (727) 478-4708. Please do not miss out on this exciting event.

Upcoming Free Events

2011-01-15T02:01:00.000-08:00

By Macular Degeneration Association
The Macular Degeneration Association would like to announce two FREE educational seminars coming up:

The first FREE seminar is scheduled for January 24,2011 at the Pepin Heart Hospital, in the Wallace conference center, Tampa Florida.This seminar is co-sponsored by University Community Hospital as well as Center for Retina and Macular Disease.The topic of discussion will be "Advances in the Treatment and Management of Macular Degeneration" ,given by Dr. Michael Tolentino, who is a well known retina specialist in Winter Haven, Fl.Seating is limited and Registration is required. Please call Donna for more information or to register @ 727-478-4708

The second Free seminar is scheduled for February 7, 2011 at Winter Haven Hospital in their auditorium, Winter haven, Fl. Winter Haven Hospital is the co-sponsor of this seminar as well as the Center for Retina and Macular Disease. The topic of discussion for this seminar will be "Advances in the Treatment and Management of Macular Degeneration" given by Dr.Michael Tolentino. Seating is limited, Registration is required Please call Donna for more information or to register @ 727-478-4708

Macular Degeneration Association announces FREE Seminars, with guest Dr. Michael Tolentino

2011-01-02T06:17:00.000-08:00

By Donna Auger
The Macular Degeneration Association proudly announces Free seminars on New Advances in the Treatment and Management of Macular Degeneration. These seminars will feature Dr. Michael Tolentino.

Dr. Tolentino is a well known Retina Specialist, in Winter Haven, Florida and is at the forefront of research on new developments for the treatment and management of both Wet and Dry macular degeneration

The first seminar is co-sponsored by University Community Hospital.This seminar will be held on Monday January 24, 2011 @ the Pepin Heart Hospital, in Tampa, Fl. from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It will consist of a general discussion, free testing, question and answer session following the completion of the seminar. Refreshments will be served.

The second seminar is co- sponsored by Winter Haven Hospital. This seminar is on Monday February 7, 2011 @ Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, Fl. from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It will consist of a general discussion, free testing followed by a question and answer session. Refreshments will be served.

SEATING IS LIMITED and Registration is Required. Please call (941) 870- 4399 to register or visit our website for more information.

Charity coffee morning in Radlett to raise cash for age-related macular degeneration"Great Success"

2010-11-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

By Chris Hewett

A 90-year-old Radlett woman who organised a coffee morning to raise cash for an eye disease hospital unit hailed the event a “great success".

Joan Brookes hosted about 100 people at Christchurch, in Watling Street, Radlett, to raise money for age related macular degeneration (AMD) – a disease Joan was diagnosed with in 2008.

Joan's friends baked cakes to sell at the coffee morning and brought prizes for a tombola at the event this morning (Friday).

Joan said: “It is great to see so many people here. I advertised in the local schools, opticians' and churches and it took quite a bit of time but I had some help.

“I have had about 15 injections for the disease and have received a lot of help from people at the hospital – that is why I wanted to raise some money for them today.”

AMD is a condition that affects a tiny area at the back of the eye called the macula, causing problems to central vision, though not a total loss of sight.

On her 90th birthday in May, Joan declined presents and instead asked for donations to a new cancer centre at Mount Vernon Hospital, which raised £270 for the ward.

As well as the tombola and a 'guess the name of the flower' competition, lead clinician for ophthalmology at Hillingdon Hospital, Nicholas Lee, gave a talk and answered questions about eye problems suffered by the elderly.

He said: “We like to get out and meet our patients, you can only do so much during an appointment. It is nice for them to be able to ask questions they may not otherwise and raise awareness of AMD because people need to know if they pick it up early the treatment will be more effective.”

The total raised at the coffee morning is yet to be counted but all proceeds will be donated to Hillingdon Hospital.

Rita Johnson, who attended the morning, said: “Most of us have problems with our eyes when we get past 70 and the talk was very useful and interesting. If people become more aware of these problems, they can do more about them.”

Never Loses sight of Marathon Participation

2010-10-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

By AMANDA DRAPIEWSKI

Turning a dream into reality is possible. Just ask Chicago marathon runner Maria Cuevas.

Growing up in Archer Heights, Cuevas wanted to run in a marathon since she was 16 years old.

She competed in short distance events while still a teenager, then into her 20’s and 30’s. She later opted to take a temporary hiatus to focus on raising her family.

But on Sunday, Oct. 10, Cuevas, a staff member of The Chicago Lighthouse, competed among thousands of runners in the Chicago Marathon.

The fact that she is visually impaired, coping with macular degeneration, did not stop her that day.

“Although I have obvious limitations because I’m legally blind, I have learned that qualities like spirit and passion know no bounds,” said Cuevas. “The strength that I’ve gained since I was declared legally blind has given me an opportunity to appreciate the wonderful things that life has to offer and not to take anything for granted.”

She credits Dan Ashley, a longtime volunteer with the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) for helping get her dream back on track.

“While taking salsa classes at the Latin Street Dancing in 2008, I met Ashley and he encouraged me to get involved with CARA’s Marathon Training Program,” said Cuevas. “You can’t help thinking about the challenges you might face as a visually impaired individual.”

She eventually found her own stride, initially starting out with an 11 minute pace, then moving down to 12 minutes, where she felt more comfortable.

“From the beginning, my goal was, and remains, to finish the runs and not be concerned about the time,” she said. “All through the training, I struggled in all the long runs, but somehow Ashley’s encouragement kept me going.”

Ashley has also competed in dozens of marathons himself and is a pace leader.

“Cuevas’ ability to reach inside and find the strength to successfully compete in races and the marathon itself is nothing short of inspirational,” said Ashley.

He added that accomplishment will stay with her the rest of her life and help in dealing with other challenges.

Cuevas continued to stay focused on her goal, but along the way, she knew she would need assistance.

“My visual impairment did affect my pace in some ways because I had to be aware of where I was stepping,” said Cuevas. “During the 15- mile run, for instance, I lost my direction and fell completely behind my group while running along the lakefront.”

It was that experience that made Cuevas reach out to GLASA, the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, a non-profit group dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in completing their athletic goals.

Despite the extra help she received from GLASA, Cuevas admitted to doubting herself and often thought about quitting.

Noting that her children, Ana-Alicia and Mario, cheered her on Sunday, Cuevas pledged to give the race her very best shot.

“I will be forever thankful to everyone who has supported me,” said Cuevas.

Cuevas was the 35,695 person to complete the race. Her time was approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.

Police Officer Comes to Rescue

2010-10-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

by Joseph Chin,Oct 08, 2010

A Peel Regional Police officer certainly takes his force’s motto, A Safer Community, seriously.
And Helen Correia is glad he does.On Tuesday morning, the 42-year-old Streetsville resident, who suffers from macular degeneration and is considered legally blind, was stranded at her ophthalmologist’s Millway Shopping Centre office after her ride failed to show.It was another setback because she’d just received some crushing news from her doctor.

“Right now I can see maybe a couple of feet away. But he told me I shouldn’t be surprised if I wake up one day soon and find myself totally blind,” she said.
Correia couldn’t afford a taxi, and from past experience was afraid to attempt using a bus.“The route numbers are much too small for people like me to recognize, so wrong buses end up stopping. When that happens the drivers sometimes get mad at me. It’s such a hassle,” she said.

After waiting 45 minutes and out of options, Correia decided to walk home – a distance of nearly five miles. It would have required her to cross several major intersections.Using her white cane, and navigating carefully around road construction, she set out in a light drizzle along Erin Mills Pkwy. At one point, she was almost hit by a car making a turn.Correia was close to panicking when the officer came along.

“He drove up in an unmarked cruiser, so I didn’t know he was a police officer,” Correia recounted. “I was a bit afraid. He stopped about five feet away and was calling out, ‘Miss! Miss!’ I guess he was warning me that I was putting myself in danger.”It was only when he got closer that Correia saw he was a police officer. He took her home and waited while she got into the house safely. After the officer drove away, Correia realized she didn’t get his name or badge number. She only knows he works out of 11 Division.

Still, Correia wants to thank the officer by coming forward with her story.
“He went out of his way to help me. He didn’t have to stop because he probably had more important stuff to do,” she said.
She adds: “Some people have this negative impression of police, that all they do is hand out traffic tickets. And that’s not true. Thinking back, I shudder to think what might have happened to me if this kind officer hadn’t happened by.”
Tracking down the Good Samaritan for Correia to personally thank is difficult since some 300 officers work out of 11 Division, says Peel police spokesperson Cst. Wayne Patterson.But he isn’t surprised by what occurred.

“This is typical of our officers to think of others before they think of themselves when they’re out there on duty. Helping people, including helping a blind lady get home, is just part of what we do out there day after day,” he said.

Clearly a site for sore eyes

2010-10-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

by
Shari Rudavsky October 1st,2010

The outside of the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute at the Indiana University School of Medicine draws upon the eye itself for its design.

The glass panels that cover the building on the south side range in color from gray to yellow, a nod to the yellow found in lenses for those with impaired vision.

On Thursday, Marilyn Glick toured the building that bears her name, checking on its progress.

When it is completed next spring, it will more than triple the space of IU's Ophthalmology Department, with clinical and laboratory areas. Half of the building will be devoted to research on diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

A $30 million gift from the Glicks three years

It's a Clean Sweep as Nikola hits her Stride

2010-09-18T02:16:00.000-07:00

17 Sep 10 by Nick Berrett

Nikola Sibley won every event she entered, broke three state records and came second in the Tracey Freeman Female Athlete of the Meet award.

IT didn’t take long for Nikola Sibley to make her mark at the 2010 Queensland under-age AWD athletics championships recently.
Nikola won every event she entered, broke three state records and came second in the Tracey Freeman Female Athlete of the Meet award.
It was an impressive effort, given that it was the first time the Woodford athlete had entered a major event for athletes with a disability (AWD).
Nikola has Stargardt’s disease , which is a genetically inherited juvenile macular degeneration.
She set records in under-12 javelin (breaking a 24-year record in the process), under-12 discus and under-12 200m, while also winning the 100m and 60m.
And there is plenty of room for improvement.
``I didn’t even do my personal best for javelin but I still broke the record,’’ Nikola said.
Mother Ann-Jay said event organisers were impressed with Nikola’s dominance.
``A talent scout from the Paralympics was there and they asked us if she was coming back next year,’’ she said.
Nikola’s team, Sunshine Coast, won the overall team prize for the meet.
The multi-talented athlete, who competes at Wamuran Little Athletics, will compete in the pool at the state championship swimming carnival from October 23-24, at Chandler. However, she said her favourite events were on dry land.
``I would have to say track and field because there is more opportunity to compete,’’ Nikola said.

Eyes on Paradise

2010-09-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

by Chelsea Jensen
September 12, 2010
When 53-year-old Edward T. Rosen lost his vision for nine days after a rifle chamber explosion, the U.S. Marine was terrified he'd never see again.

"It was the most terrifying experience I have ever faced," said Rosen about the injury he suffered in 1970 while in combat in Vietnam. "It was nine days of not knowing if I was going to be blind the rest of my life."

Luckily, Rosen regained his vision. However, the experience, he said, has made him more aware of the importance of eyesight.

"I have longevity in my genes and I want to make sure I will have my eyesight," Rosen said. The Special Forces veteran said he recently began noticing some issues with his vision prompting him to take advantage of a free retina screening conducted Saturday by the Lions Club of Kona.

Rosen was just one of about 80 people who took advantage of free retina screenings held at the Kmart parking lot. Last year, the vision bus did not stop in Kona due to scheduling issues, said Lions Club of Kona leader Norman Sakata.

About 600 people took advantage of the free screenings around the rest of the island last year, and since the program started in the state three years ago, more than 3,100 people have been screened, Sakata said.

The free screenings continue today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Keauhou Shopping Center, Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Waikoloa Village Market and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Parker Ranch Shopping Center in Waimea.

The screenings help detect retinal issues and other eye disorders, such as macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. It can also detect the early onset of diabetes in adults, Sakata said.

Retinal diseases have a devastating impact on vision and can result in permanent vision loss if not treated. If caught early on, damage to eyesight can be averted, Sakata said. While most retinal diseases are incurable, the impact can be reduced if proper care is sought.

"Sight is just so important, and this is a way to help preventable blindness by having it checked and stop it from getting worse," Sakata said.

The retinal screenings are conducted inside a 35-foot bus equipped with state-of-the-art digital imaging equipment, staffed by paid medical personnel and trained volunteers provided by the Retina Institute of Hawaii's Project Vision Hawaii. The organization is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) service with a mission to enhance quality of life by improving sight and preventing blindness.

The screening process takes about two minutes in which time a camera takes high-quality photos providing an internal view of the eye, allowing doctors to see the optic nerve. That nerve, which is located at the back of the eye, is responsible for sending visual signals to the brain, said Kimo Hodgins, a Waimea Lions Club volunteer helping conduct the screenings.

"We are looking at the focal point of the eye -- the very mechanism that deciphers what we are looking at and allows us to see," he said.

For Sharon Peoples, who moved to Kona in June, the event provided her and her husband, Brent, an opportunity to have their eyes checked and have those results sent to their new primary eye doctor for follow-up care, if needed. Although a little worried about some symptoms she's had with her eyes in the past, Peoples said everyone should take advantage of the screenings because you never know what might show up.

"We've got to keep an eye on our eyes because we live in paradise and we like to look at it," Peoples said.

Triathlon benefits eye research

2010-09-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

September 2, 2010

By Kate Carpenter

Swim 800 meters, bike 18.5 miles and run four miles. To add to those already intimidating numbers, competition and speed are also factors. While that may not sound like the usual relaxing Sunday, that series of events is exactly how more than 400 athletes are going to be spending theirs.
The Susan Bradley- Cox Triathlon for Sight will take place this Saturday and benefit the Eye Research Fund for the College of Medicine.

“At the University of Kentucky, there are about 30,000 eye patients a year,” race director Beth Atnip said. “There wasn’t much money being set aside for research of eye diseases including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.”

The race is named after Susan Bradley Cox, 74, who is the Lexington Triathlon Coach for the Kentucky Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and the head coach of the UK Masters Swim Team. She is the triathlon’s swim course coordinator. She is also training to compete in the world championships for short course triathlons in her age group.

The event was designed to provide start-up funds for eye research and to inform the public about eye disease. Over the past eight years, the event has raised close to $200,000.

Dr. Sheila Sanders, director of Glaucoma Service in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the College of Medicine, saw a need to change the lack of eye research funding through a fundraising event. She co-founded the triathlon.

One area of research this race benefits is the study of the way blood vessels grow in the eyes in diabetic patients. In addition to diabetics, this research is applicable to other fields beyond eye treatment, such as cancer research. Because of this additional application, this research becomes even more beneficial to the community.

“We have a lot of people who race in honor of people who have visual impairments,” said Sanders.
Another major contributor to the event is Delta Gamma, a sorority that has made contributing to fighting eye disease one of its causes. They provide about 120 volunteers, some of them on site by 5 a.m. making preparations for the race.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” said Atnip.

This event will begin at 7:15 am on Sunday. You may still register online until midnight on Friday and on Saturday you can sign up on site from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. as well as 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m., adjacent to the UK football stadium. An individual entry is $70 and a team is $105. This inclu

UnitedHealthcare to Host "Do Good Live Well" Community Event

2010-08-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

by Paul Young on Friday, August 27, 2010, * Grape Seed Extract

This fact sheet provides basic information about grape seed extract—uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The grape seeds used to produce grape seed extract are generally obtained from wine manufacturers. The leaves and fruit of the grape have been used medicinally since ancient Greece.
What Grape Seed Extract Is Used For

* Grape seed extract is used for conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and poor circulation.
* Other reasons for the use of grape seed extract include complications related to diabetes, such as nerve and eye damage; vision problems, such as macular degeneration (which can cause blindness); and swelling after an injury or surgery.
* Grape seed extract is also used for cancer prevention and wound healing.

Myrtle Geist, who celebrated her 103rd birthday Monday, has the uncanny ability to bounce back from illness.

2010-08-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

By LORI VAN INGEN,

Myrtle Geist, who celebrated her 103rd birthday Monday, has the uncanny ability to bounce back from illness.

Geist twice had pneumonia that landed her in the hospital, and she had to have a pacemaker installed at age 93. She also has macular degeneration.

"Every day is a gift," her daughter, Phyllis Strittmatter, said.

Born Aug. 9, 1907, in Millersville, Geist was the first of two children of Charles Eagle and Mary Kauffman Siegler. Her younger brother is the late Harold C. Siegler.

Geist attended a one-room school in Millersville through grade eight.

She graduated in 1925 from Penn Manor High School. In her senior year, she was a member of the championship girls basketball team.

After graduation, she worked as a secretary for the Robert B. Myers insurance agency in Lancaster.

In 1948, Geist became deputy recorder of deeds in Lancaster, a position she held until she retired in 1973.

Coming from a musical family, Geist began taking piano and organ lessons as a young girl with the late Frank McConnell. She put those lessons to work during high school when she became the organist at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Millersville.

She later was the organist at St. Matthew's and Faith Reformed and substituted at Emmanuel Lutheran.

She met her husband, Allen H. Geist, through a mutual friend who knew of their shared musical interest. Geist had a group, Al Geist and the Dixieland Band, that played on WGAL.

The Geists married on June 25, 1938. They had two children, Strittmatter, and a son, Andrew L., both of Lancaster. They had no grandchildren. Her husband died in 1977.

After retirement, Geist attended the Happy Hours senior citizen group in Lancaster and joined the Melodious, a group that entertained at nursing homes. She also played the organ for the Quack Quacks.

She had to give up playing the organ just six months ago, when arthritis began affecting one of her fingers.

With AARP, Geist had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii.

The Homestead Village resident now enjoys playing bingo, with some help because of her macular degeneration.

Prep Track and Field Ageless wonder

2010-08-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

At 83, Batavia volunteer Harold Anderson continues to have no trouble connecting with young athletes
Comments

The sun has climbed above the horizon this June morning, but it's full impact won't be felt for a couple hours.

That's good news for the six teenage girls who begin arriving, just like clockwork, at the Batavia High School track. Some drive themselves. Some are dropped off by parents. Another comes by bike.

One by one, they start to stretch.

Soon, it will be 7 a.m.

An elderly gentleman in khaki pants and golf polo, snow white hair showing from underneath his red baseball cap, joins them. There's good-natured banter before he goes to work, lining up five pairs of hurdles, side by side on two of the running lanes.

Class is in session for 83-year-old Harold Anderson who suffers from macular degeneration. It starts with the one-step drill.

This is a rite of summer for the assistant coach who works each spring with hurdlers and pole vaulters for the girls and boys track teams of coaches Chad Hillman and Dennis Piron.

Anderson, who retired from teaching at Kaneland in 1987 and quit coaching there in 1991, gives the term "veteran" new meaning. Prompted by former Batavia coach Mike DiDomenico, who still assists Piron, Anderson has volunteered here since 1991.

It's no coincidence that both programs have developed into consistent challengers for conference titles.

The magic is hard work
Three times a week, bright and early, Anderson puts his hurdlers through specialized drills at voluntary workouts that last an hour or so and run through July. You snooze, you lose.
"This is the best hurdle drill in America," Anderson says as he watches each girl line up for a turn, doing what is close to a walk-through over the five, tightly-placed hurdles.

They don't run all out. This is about feel. Emphasis is on form, balance and economy of motion with just one step between each obstacle before going over the next one, always with the same lead leg.

"When that trail leg comes down, they're jumping (over the next hurdle)," said Anderson. "That's why I call it the one-step drill.

"It looks easy but it's not," he continues as one of the upperclassmen navigates it smoothly.

Moments later, a younger girl loses her balance and has to stop before wiping out on the third hurdle.

"It's hard," Anderson says gently, knowing it's easy to get discouraged.

Several attempts later, the same girls gets through it, a tad shaky but with no bobbles.

"If you lose a little momentum, by the time you get to that fourth or fifth hurdle, you can't do it," he says. "That trail leg has got to come through and reach out because you don't get another step. ... instead of jumping the hurdle, you run the hurdle."

In an aside to an observer, he notes, "I have had kids do 10 (hurdles) in a row. It's a fantastic drill. You can take a sprinter and teach 'em how to hurdle."

Other drills emphasize starts, curves and stride.

His No. 1 sermon, though, stresses the importance of clearing each hurdle with the same lead leg, no matter if it's the 100-meter or 300-meter race.

Don't their steps get choppy and cost them time, trying to maintain that same lead leg?

"Not if your stride is right," said Anderson. "If you hit it right on the button, you'll be alright."

Then, he repeats an oft-used phrase with a chuckle.

"I tell them, 'You can cuss, but you can't say alternate,'" he says.

Connecting with kids
Natalie Tarter remembers meeting Anderson for the first time at one of these sessions before she started high school.
Tarter played soccer and basketball and from junior high, knew she was a pretty good sprinter. Her older brother would challenge boys to race her when they were killing time while having to attend their younger brother's little league games and she always won.

"(Anderson) said, 'We're gonna have you hurdle,'" Tarter remembers. "And the first time I tried it, I fell down and fell down hard. I mean, I was all scraped up on my leg and hip, a bunch of strawberries. It looked pretty bad.

"I said, 'I'm never hurdling again.' But he was the sweetest man. He said, 'You can take the next day off and regroup. It happens to everyone.'"

It does. And Anderson, it may seem, has seen it all.

He has macular degeneration, which impacts the center of a person's field of vision. He still saw the potential in Tarter. It was realized her junior year when she won the state title in the 300 hurdles and repeated as runnerup in the 100 hurdles. Injury kept her from trying for a double as a senior but she's now a sophomore on a track scholarship at the University of Wisconsin.

Brittney Bernardoni, another of Anderson's charges, will join Tarter at Wisconsin this fall but she won't be a member of the track team.

Bernardoni, who had an injury-plagued career at Miami of Ohio after winning the state pole vault title in high school, will go to Wisconsin's medical school. It's one of eight she could have attended, Anderson says with pride. She also ran hurdles remembers her first meeting with Anderson.

"He was older than I expected," she said. "But he's very kind-hearted, very supportive and he knows a ton. He's very self-effacing ... has accomplished so much but he's never one to toot his own horn."

Both standouts grew to enjoy the summer workouts.

"They were tough in the beginning, and no teenager likes to get up at 6," Tarter said. "But (eventually) I couldn't get enough of it. It was such a challenge to learn it. You felt like you were learning something new every day. Plus, then you had the rest of the day."

Little wonder, both, like many who have trained under Anderson, stay in touch after graduation.

His most recent state champ (300 hurdles), Kathryn Warner, will, too.

She will attend East Carolina University this fall on a track scholarship.

Call him visionary
"I didn't start hurdles until my sophomore year," said Warner, also an excellent vaulter. "(Anderson) kept telling me the hurdles would help me in the pole vault. He kept telling me how good I could be in the hurdles so I stuck it out.
"He's a legend. He can barely see, but he can see how many steps you're taking between hurdles."

And he sees more than his athletes might think.

As Warner's father, Guy, notes: "Even though he claims he can't see, from 100 yards, he can spot a trail leg that is a couple inches low."

Anderson prides himself on teaching technique.

"The hurdles and the pole vault are the two easiest events to get points in because three-quarters of the schools don't have pole vault coaches and only 20 percent have anybody that really know the hurdles," said Anderson, who began coaching and teaching in Catlin after graduating from Illinois Wesleyan in 1950. He also led the track program at Mooseheart early in his career.

In his day, the vaulter's poles were made of bamboo.

"I like technique," he said. "I even like coaching discus next to pole vault and hurdles.

"I'm not a yeller. But in 60 years, you ought to learn something."

He has, and often achieves his yearly goal.

"I like to get two athletes in the finals of the conference in each event," he said. "I think we've had about 90 percent success here. Then, you know you're doing something right."

That's a given.

"Perhaps what makes coach so special is the respect and admiration he gets from the athletes ... which is equalled by the respect and admiration he has for them," said Guy Warner.

"When you see athletes finish a race then come talk to him with a big smile on their face looking for approval, you know something special is going on ... everything is a learning experience."

And could be termed the never-ending story.

"This is therapy to me," said Anderson.

Therapy that works both ways.

Meeting Challenges: Ruth's Story

2010-08-02T06:46:00.000-07:00

For years, Ruth MacCalman sewed them all and decorated her works with intricate embroidery.

About six years ago, she had to stop.

Glaucoma and macular degeneration were eroding her vision.

The pressure of fluids building in the front of the eye from glaucoma blurs vision, narrows the field of sight and can cause total blindness. Macular degeneration affects blood vessels in the macula, part of the retina, and often is associated with aging.

“People will put their arms around me, and I can’t see their faces at all,” MacCalman, 89, said.

A former accountant at the state prison in Deer Lodge, she quit working several decades ago after suffering a severe back injury in icy conditions.

As her eyes weakened, she gave up favorite activities such as golf and square dancing. No longer able to read, she has a woman come to her home each week to help with the mail and has marked the stove and microwave so that she can use the controls.

MacCalman stopped driving because glaucoma turned the white line down the road into a series of roiling waves.

She misses driving and is saddened at the prospect of giving up playing bridge with friends.

“I have to say, ‘Is that a diamond or a heart?’ ” she said.

She still has some of her sight, although her 98-year-old sister is fully blind.

MacCalman uses a short white cane because her legs go out and her hip can pop out of socket.

At the Montana Association for the Blind’s Summer Orientation Program, her orientation and mobility instructor, Tracey Orcutt, of Butte, adapted lessons in getting around to MacCalman’s physical needs.

In Aids to Daily Living classes, she learned different ways to tackle grooming, housekeeping and other everyday chores complicated by her vision loss.

A longtime baker, who also loved other types of cooking, MacCalman took both cooking and sewing lessons during the SOP.

Instructor Cherrie Albrecht, of Helena, showed MacCalman and other students how to use special self-threading needles for hand and machine sewing and to create special guides to move material in a straight line through the presser foot when sewing seams by machine.

“We just made so many things,” MacCalman said, ticking off sewing projects that included five pillows, six pot holders and a bag for carrying groceries.

She has two sons, a daughter, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. And her sewing projects will become gifts for family and friends.

At the SOP, she said, “The people have been just wonderful. It has been kind of like home.

“They don’t look at you as if you can’t do this, you can’t do that.”

For MacCalman, the adaptive skills learned are a key part in her goal to remain in the Deer Lodge home that the first of her two late husbands built in the 1940s.

“My main desire is I don’t have to leave it,” she said.

Bonnet's syndrome and reality

2010-07-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

HUH?
That was my reaction, late last year, when I was contacted by a production company in England and asked to appear in a documentary. With my family.
The company, Firecracker Films, has made documentaries for the BBC, Sky, The Learning Channel and Discovery. And, they wanted me and my family for ... what?
I immediately conjured up images of my mother wandering around her yard like Edie Beale in "Grey Gardens," wearing turbans made of old green dishcloths.
Instead, it was my FATHER they wanted. In October 2007, I wrote a column in The Record about his first bout with Bonnet's syndrome, an unusual side effect of his macular degeneration.
Dad woke up one morning, looked out the window and saw non-existent shrubs on his front lawn. Other strange hallucinatory images followed.
Later that morning, in a nearby hospital ER, he saw balloons, polka dot curtains and, most eerily, his late mother walking toward him.
He was vague to doctors about what he was seeing because he was frightened and wanted to go home.
He assumed he was dying. I assumed he was experiencing a medication-related problem. But, that night, I went online, searched "macular degeneration/hallucinations" and discovered Bonnet's syndrome (identified in the 1700s by Swiss naturalist Charles Bonnet), in which patients with severe visual loss see vivid and seemingly real images of landscapes, patterns (plain white walls turned into busy brick walls) and even cartoon characters.
Dad and Bambi became great pals there for a while; Bambi still writes, periodically.
The problem comes in sieges, then disappears for months.
After the column ran I received letters from people all around the country who have dealt with this. And, when the folks at Firecracker began to consider a documentary on this strange condition, people they spoke to mentioned my article.
A month after that call from Firecracker, my father and I did telephone interviews and, later, Skype interviews with the production team. A few more months passed. Nothing. I assumed the shoot had been canceled.
But then, we were interviewed all over again. Dad. Me. My mother. Dates were tossed around.
"They're talking late August," I told my parents. "We're all going to be on TV!"
My father growled, "What are they paying me?"
"Dad, it's a documentary," I said, "they're not paying you. They'll be shooting here for a few days and ..."
"A few DAYS?" my mother screamed. "And I have to cook for all these people?"
"Who said anything about cooking?"
"Well, who's going to feed them?"
"Ma, they'll eat somewhere. And, stop complaining! This is huge! After it airs, our family will become synonymous with bizarre and occasionally grotesque hallucinations!"
Days later, the producer called again. Could I send him some photos of the house? He also wanted to know if it was possible for us to plan a "normal family dinner" with my entire abnormal family so they would shoot some supplemental footage. And, could he interview my 13-year-old niece, Talia? And ...
My sister-in-law OK'd the interview with Talia for July 16. On July 15, Tal warned her friends on Facebook that she would be busy the next day, "being interviewed for my TV show."
Naturally, her friends were curious, so she subsequently explained, "My grandpa has a desease where he sees people as like something diffrent and I hang out with himm so I'm gunna be on the documentary."
I still can't believe she spelled "documentary" correctly.
Her friends were thrilled. One explained, "I've seen those! When you're onscreen it will say, 'Talia. Grandchild.' "
My parents, meanwhile, were suddenly warming up to the idea. So was everyone else we know. Within weeks, our little onscreen "normal" family dinner grew to include, according to my mother, "Aunt Irene, baby Dominick, Marie from next door, cousin Caroline ..." and assorted other relatives who would get mad if they weren't included.
"Ma," I said, "we're shooting a documentary, not 'Gone With the Wind.' "
On Thursday, a letter arrived: "See you next month at dinner! Sincerely, Bambi."
When he's onscreen it will say, "Bambi. Fictional Deer."
After supper on Saturday, Mom asked me to drive her to the supermarket. En route, she said, "Your father won't admit it but he's excited. It's the only good thing to come out of this whole mess. I mean, we never even heard of this condition. No one in our family ever had vision problems."
She then pointed out the window and sighed, "Oh, look. A full moon. How nice."
"That's the sun," I corrected.
She squinted through the window. "Oh. Ha-ha. Where was I?"
Frankly, my biggest fear after people see my wacky family on TV is that we'll wind up getting a weekly series on Bravo.

Visually Impaired women swims to raise money for cancer

2010-07-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Steve Omi Memorial Swim was started in 1994 in honor of Steve Omi, an avid swimmer who died of cancer one month prior to his 37th birthday.

Participant Carol Nelson, of Hayden, who is visually impaired, said she relishes the opportunity to compete on a more even playing field. Swimming events provide that, she said.

"It's something that I can still do," she said.

She said her vision has been limited by Stargardt's macular degeneration.

"I have no excuses today," Nelson said.

Last year's event winner, Bryce Kananowicz, said he just likes to swim.

But "it's fun to meet people, too," he said. "And the money goes to a good cause."

As a 13-year-old last year, he swam the mile in 19 minutes, 42 seconds.

Kananowicz, of Liberty Lake, said he wanted to beat last year's time, and planned to go out hard and get away from the pack of swimmers.

"Anything under 19 minutes is good with me," he said.

He finished in 19:41 Sunday.

Legally Blind Man Working to Improve Pedestrian Safety in Montgomery

2010-07-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

The great irony for William Smith is that the worse his vision becomes, the more he sees.

There is the bus stop on Fenton Street in Silver Spring, built on a platform so close to the street that it's nearly impossible for the blind or disabled person to get to. There's the crosswalk where Georgia Avenue forks into Viers Mill Road in Wheaton that could pass as a maze. And don't even mention the construction zones that frequently block sidewalks.

Smith, 46, notices such things mainly because of his inability to see them.

The stay-at-home dad is legally blind. He has an eye disorder that progressively inhibits his central vision. But that hasn't stopped him from walking the streets of his Silver Spring neighborhood, camera in hand, to document each and every obstruction.

The hurdles he faces spurred him last year to launch a blog, Montgomery Sideways. There he chronicles the impediments he encounters, raises safety concerns for other disabled residents and lets county officials know where they have fallen short.

Smith said he seeks to raise awareness because the problems he finds aren't mere inconveniences. They are roadblocks to something much more precious: his independence.

"Initially, it was just so I could walk around," he said of Montgomery Sideways. "I realize now stuff like good sidewalks don't happen by themselves.

A need for safety

The things he notices now haven't always concerned him. His macular degeneration was diagnosed when he was 14. He still got his driver's license when he turned 16 and buzzed around the streets, not all that worried about the plight of the pedestrian.

In 1989, when he was 25, the disease progressed to the point where he could no longer drive. He was consigned to getting by on his two feet, which, to his surprise, was liberating.

"Being freed by not driving changes your perception -- it's profoundly sublime," Smith said. "Walking is the most natural thing. Knowing that his vision would continue to decline, Smith and his wife, Kathleen, moved to a house in Silver Spring close to schools, stores and churches. His mission as a self-described ambulatory activist began a dozen years ago with a sidewalk near his house. It was riddled with potholes and, apparently, bad luck.

In 1998, he was walking his two young children to school at East Silver Spring Elementary when his 4-year-old daughter tripped in a hole and hit her head. A week later, she was nearly hit by a car when a driver whipped through the crosswalk.

He first worked with parents and community officials to have that sidewalk replaced. That grew into sitting in on County Council meetings, e-mailing officials about safety concerns and trying to get the attention of his neighbors.

Smith then moved his efforts online. He "started with a discussion list, with two or three readers," said Kathy Jentz, editor and publisher of Washington Gardener magazine and a "car-free" resident of Silver Spring. "I think he was disappointed with that, and I told him, 'You might want to look into a blog.' "

Giving officials a set of eyes on the ground

He started Montgomery Sideways in October, and he's already sparking a conversation.

Smith's photo of the bus stop on Fenton Street was posted to several blogs, which caused quite a few phone calls to officials, said Jeff Dunckel, pedestrian safety coordinator for Montgomery County.

Dunckel said county officials had planned to build a ramp at the bus stop even before Smith documented the access issue, but his photos prompted them to rethink their plans. Now, instead of a ramp, the county will build a stop in a more accessible location.

The budget for the county's $5 million pedestrian safety program was cut by almost 10 percent in May, forcing the department to end its education efforts. Dunckel said Smith fills the void by being a set of eyes on the ground.

John Z Wetmore, a pedestrian advocate in Bethesda and host of the cable access television program "Perils for Pedestrians," said Smith alerts the community to hazards that often are overlooked.

"Most people have been dealing with a bad pedestrian environment for so long, they have learned to ignore it," Wetmore said.

It's his passion to correct that environment, Smith said, that commits him to the arduous task of maintaining the blog with limited sight.

Updating is "physically painful," he said. To use his computer, he has to hunch forward in his chair, sitting only a few inches from the 42-inch monitor he has set up in his basement, placing additional strain on his eyes.

It is a marked difference from the man traipsing about Silver Spring. He doesn't use a cane. There is no guide dog. Smith gets around relatively unfettered. He's trying to hold onto his independence as long as possible.

"The biggest problem is at what point do I identify myself as a blind person," Smith said. "I'm fighting it because I'm vain. I hate to admit it. I'm trying to live normally as long as I can."

"Champion" takes care of meeting guest needs

2010-07-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

LOCKPORT—Teresa Fernald Howard, who works at Lockport’s Holiday Inn on South Transit Street, is the huge hotel chain’s first legally blind “Guest Experience Champion” in the country.

Howard has juvenile macular degeneration, also known as Stargardt’s disease, the most common inherited form of the condition.

“Macular degeneration refers to an abnormality of the part of the eye that’s responsible for our sharpest central vision,” explained Howard, who also lives in Lockport.

The condition doesn’t stop Howard from living a full life, and making sure that Holiday Inn guests enjoy their stay. Job requirements include “good time management” skills and putting “the guest first.”

“[Howard] has exemplary customer service skills, a wonderful sense of humor and a can-do attitude that we haven’t seen in our hotel for many years,” said Terri McDonald-Gale, marketing director at the local hotel.

Tell us about your family.

I’m from a family of six children. The first three children were not affected by this condition. The fourth child, Ken, was diagnosed with JMD when he was around age 7. I am child No. 5 and was diagnosed shortly after my brother Ken. Child No. 6 was unaffected.

And your parents?

We were blessed with two wonderful parents, Wayne and Patricia Fernald. They were devastated at first to find out the news that two of their children would become blind, and the fact that there wasn’t any treatment or cure for JMD. They took my brother and [me] to different specialists, and they ran many tests. After the initial shock, they decided they would do everything they could to

help us lead as normal lives as possible.

How?

Instead of telling us we couldn’t do things, they told us we could. They’d assist us when we asked for help, but they would let us try things on our own first. Unbeknownst to them, this was the best gift that they could have given me.

Is there a cure for JMD?

Unfortunately, at this time there still is not any treatment or cure for JMD.

I can’t drive a car, so I must depend on someone else for any transportation. I have some vision, but I cannot read normal text. I use large print and magnification tools to assist in this.

I can’t see myself in the mirror.

How do you fix your hair?

I apply make-up and style my hair by touch.

My most recent setback is losing my ability to differentiate colors. I need to ask, “What color is this?” Or use a color detector. My husband, Jason, and children have been a great help with these challenges, by reading things to me—they are excellent readers—helping me with colors, and other little things I need assistance with.

What’s a color detector?

The color detector is a device that “speaks” the color of the item you put its lens on. It is not 100 percent accurate. It once told me my black-and-white dog was olive green. Also, in the right light, my skin is called “orange.” You must have a sense of humor to deal with some of the technology.

How did you come to live in Lockport?

My husband’s job brought us to this area almost four years ago. I grew up in Tampa, Fla., until the age of 14, and then moved to Binghamton. I graduated in 1987 from Chenango Forks High School near Binghamton.

Tell us about your job.

I’ve always loved working with people. My background’s in the customer service field. Last year, I attended the National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service. This is how I came to be where I am to-day.

Part of the curriculum was completing an externship. Mine was at the Holiday Inn in Lockport. From the moment I arrived at the Holiday Inn, met the staff and my on-hands training began, everything fell into place, as I felt that I had truly found the job for me. Here, I was able to actually spend time with a customer, seeing that all their needs were met in a friendly, courteous manner.

What’s the difference between good and bad service?

Hospitality is all about making guests feel like they matter, and that you’re not in a hurry to move on to the next person.

How do you like your job?

I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to wake up and look forward to going to work. Mycoworkers have been so helpful and non-judgmental. I think they appreciate my attributes and look beyond my handicap.

Who and what inspire you?

My parents, family, close friends, and my faith in God have influenced and inspired me, especially my mom, dad, sister and brothers, who encouraged me to take on challenges and not to let my vision hold me back.

Now I’m trying to teach my children to not be afraid of a challenge. I also feel God doesn’t give us more then we can handle. That’s why I was blessed with twins, a daughter, Chelsea, and a son, Cameron, who have just turned 12.

What advice do you have for readers facing challenges?

Something I’d pass on to others in a similar situation would be: Shine at what you’re good at, and allow others to notice that about you. Learn how to do things in your own way. If the end result is the same, it doesn’t matter how you got there.

And for others?

Don’t judge someone until you’ve walked in their shoes. Look beyond the handicap. Give someone a chance. You might be surprised how much they can do.

Volunteers saves Abingdon Macular Group from closure

2010-06-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

* By Herald Reporter »

A GROUP set up to support blind people in Abingdon has been rescued from closure.

The Abingdon Macular Group has been a help to people with failing eyesight for eight years.

The only dedicated club of its type in the town, it lets people suffering macular degeneration meet up in Abingdon Baptist church hall, in Ock Street, to chat over a cup of tea with others who share their condition. Guest speakers also regularly visit the group.

But when organiser Daphne Baker, 86, decided to step down from her role after four years and other volunteers also left, it looked like the group would have to close.

Attempts to find new volunteers had failed, and Mrs Baker desperately appealed for help.

Now a Good Samaritan has stepped forward to save the group after hearing about its plight at a day to attract new members to clubs and societies in the town.

Audrey Samuels, 47, said she wanted to help the group after witnessing the effect of the eyesight condition on her late uncle.

She said: “I went along to the clubs and societies day, started speaking to Daphne, and offered to start helping with admin. I just wanted to get involved with something voluntary which would help people.

“My uncle did suffer macular degeneration, so that was a common factor. It really was not good at all.

“He lost a lot of confidence and he was scared that he was going to go blind. It really did upset him.”

Mrs Baker said: “We have been facing a difficult time with people about to go away and do different things.

“I’ve been doing it for four years and felt it was the right time to step down.

“Abingdon Macular Group is the only group for blind people in Abingdon and for people in that situation, it is a huge help.

“When you don’t have eyesight, it can cut you off from so much of the world and it’s nice to have someone else who you can chat to and who understands what it’s like.”

Frank Shearman, 84, from Wantage, is one of 20 members who attend the regular meetings.

He first noticed his sight deteriorating eight years ago and his GP recommended he go to a specialist clinic, which identified the condition.

He said: “It is a chance to meet people that suffer the same as I did. Quite a lot of them are far worse.

“I have been told I shall not go blind, but my finer sight has got worse. I am one of the lucky ones. We do not discuss what we have got to any extent, but the different ways of handling it and different things we can buy to help it.”

Sports greats give to auction

2010-06-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

Tour de France golden boy Lance Armstrong will help boxing legend Muhammad Ali pack a punch for charity.

A signed Armstrong jersey and a signed Ali boxing glove have been secured for the Wayne Bennett dinner at Ellerslie Convention Centre on Friday, June 4.

The two items are just part of an astonishing array of goodies to be auctioned to raise funds for a number of charities at the Mad Butcher and Suburban Newspapers Community Trust dinner.

Also under the hammer on the night will be a framed Australian Rugby League Anzac jersey signed by the Kangaroos and a framed New Zealand Rugby League jersey signed by the Kiwis as well as many other items including some spectacular artwork and fine wine.

Bennett is the world's most successful league coach ever, but is famous for his silence. He rarely grants interviews, frequently gives as short an answer as possible and never hesitates to tell media if he thinks their questions are stupid.

But the man who played for Australia and has coached Canberra, the Broncos, St George, Queensland and Australia – and who has even provided coaching advice to Kiwis head Stephen Kearney – will front up to help raise cash for the four charities selected by the trust – Allergy New Zealand, Diabetes Auckland, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand and Macular Degeneration New Zealand.

"It's an honour to have Bennett and this is also a change of format for us," says Mad Butcher and Suburban Newspapers Community Trust chairman Peter Leitch QSM.

Normally the trust events are lunches but the June 4 event will be held at night and will also feature comedian Ben Hurley and Dancing with the Stars entertainer Shane Cortese and his five-piece band.

The gala event includes cocktails from VnC, a delicious three-course meal with complementary drinks from Lion Breweries and Glengarry Wines who are sponsorship partners of the event with The Radio Network, Edwards Sound and Sentra Printing.

This is a great opportunity to get your company to take a table to entertain clients and staff while supporting four worthy causes.

CNIB holding Shades of Fun event to raise awareness on protecting eyes

2010-05-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

By Pamela Cowan, Leader-Post

REGINA — These days, the sun's harmful rays aren't top of mind, but the Canadian National Institute for the Blind hopes everyone wears wild and wacky shades — at least on top of their heads on Thursday.

Across Canada, the CNIB is holding Shades of Fun — an event to raise awareness about the need to protect eyes from damaging UV rays and raise money for the vital services the organization provides the visually impaired.

"In Saskatchewan, the Minister of Health designated the month of May Vision Health Month and the mayor of the City of Regina has designated (Thursday) as Shades of Fun day," said Susan Mooney, the CNIB's associate director of services and operations for Saskatchewan.

"Get your sunglasses on and at the same time have some fun while you're doing it. And, if you can, raise some money for CNIB.

"People can have a dress-down day and come to work with their shades on and kick in a couple of bucks — whether you wear your shades on your head or you've got them on their face."

Long-term exposure to UV rays increases the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in Canadians over 50.

All proceeds from Vision Health Month will fund services that include counseling, vision aids, computer training and free access to the CNIB Library.

"From helping people learn how to live independently in their homes and do their cooking and cleaning to learning how to travel independently," Mooney said. "Sometimes, you see the long, white cane, but there are other people who just need extra help when they're losing their vision. They can't see the bus sign, they can't see across the street or they're feeling uncomfortable. They can come to the CNIB and our staff will help them gain some skills."

Aids, such as a monocular, help the visually impaired see the bus number or see the walk light across the street, she said.

"When you first are losing vision, and for some time afterward, having the opportunity to talk to somebody is important so we have counselors in Saskatchewan who you can talk to about how you're managing and how you're feeling," Mooney said.

You don't have to be blind to access CNIB services, you can self-refer and there's no charge.

CNIB offices in Regina and Saskatoon offer employment counseling to people who begin to lose their vision in their working years, Mooney said.

"We also go out and work in communities across the province," she said. "When you support an activity like Shades of Fun and you wonder where your money is going, part of it is helping Saskatchewan residents, regardless of where they live, to access the services of CNIB."

Blind man and his mate cycle from Sydney to Melbourne for Macular Degeneration

2009-11-16T19:35:00.000-08:00

Legally blind Sydney man Matt Formston and his friend Scott Williamson are currently cycling from Sydney to Melbourne to raise awareness and money for Australia's leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss, Macular Degeneration (MD).

MD is a degenerative disease that causes progressive loss of central vision. Although it is generally age-related and most often affects those aged over 50, Matt, a 31-year-old business analyst, was diagnosed with MD at just five years of age. He now lives with only 5% vision but has never let this stop him achieving his goals.

Matt and Scott will cover a gruelling 1,200 kilometres over their 13-day journey, cycling along the east coast of Australia. The pair will donate the money they raise to the MD Foundation, the leading charity working to reduce the incidence and impact of MD in Australia.

"Living with MD for the past 26 years has been all about overcoming adversity in all aspects of my life. The ride to Melbourne will be a physical and mental challenge in itself. To do this as a legally blind individual adds a whole new level of difficulty. I want to show people that if you put your mind to something, anything is possible, no matter what challenges you may face," Matt said.

"I will just have to follow Scott and trust that he is not going to ride out in front of a truck! As long as I can see the back tire of his bike in front of me, I will be able to focus on that and follow wherever he takes me. I will also rely on Scott letting me know what's coming up like big hills, sharp turns and pot holes.

"Raising money to support a Foundation that is proactively supporting the Australian MD community is something that's extremely significant to me. I'm really looking forward to this challenge and I know that it's something I'll remember for the rest of my life," he said.

CEO of the MD Foundation Julie Heraghty said: "I have so much admiration for what Matt and Scott are doing. Not only is Matt challenging himself in such an amazing way, but the generosity of spirit the two friends have displayed by choosing to donate the money they raise to the MD Foundation is truly inspirational. I wish both of them the best of luck on their journey."

Scott said at first he was nervous about the idea of riding with someone who is legally blind. "Our biggest hurdle is going to be communication and making sure we have a mutual understanding. This will require honesty to ourselves and each other at all times.

"Since I started training for the ride I've also been exercising my mind to be more aware of some obstacles on the road that I may not have noticed before. Cycling with Matt and having the opportunity to raise money for the MD Foundation is something I couldn't pass up," he said.

Matt and Scott's journey began at 7am on Thursday 12 November at the Sydney Opera House, a very fitting location given that the national icon's architect the late Jørn Utzon had MD himself in his later years. Matt and Scott will be blogging about their experiences along the way and will end their trip in Melbourne, arriving at Federation Square on Tuesday 24 November at 4pm.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Ray Romano And Kevin James Charity Golf Classic

2009-11-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

The Ray Romano and Kevin James Celebrity Golf Classic, which will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009 at the El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California, will benefit the advancement in vision science at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California.

The celebrity tournament is an annual event hosted by television and film stars Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond, Ice Age) and Kevin James (The King of Queens, Paul Blart: Mall Cop). Each year, Romano and James choose a cause to support that is close to their hearts. Funds raised by this year’s golf tournament will support the research and treating of such debilitating vision diseases as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.

“My scientific team and I greatly appreciate Ray and Kevin for choosing The Scripps Research Institute as the beneficiary of this year’s golf tournament,” said Martin Friedlander, who is a professor at Scripps Research and a practicing ophthalmologist at the Scripps Clinic. “The Ray Romano and Kevin James Celebrity Golf Classic’s contribution will be dedicated to research on stem cells for retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration patients.”

Scripps Research is a leader in the discovery and application of biomedical breakthroughs that improve human health.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Inaugural Birmingham VisionWalk

2009-10-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

Inaugural VisionWalk in Birmingham
on Saturday, November 21, 2009
at Homewood Central Park.
Registration begins at 9:00 A.M. and the Walk will start at 10:00 A.M.

The event will raise money for the research that will lead to cures for retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, and numerous others. These diseases affect more than 10 million Americans of all races and ethnic groups, young and old.

Please bring your entire family to join in on the fun and excitement. We will have various activities for people of all ages, including a DJ, face painting, Kids’ Zone, and a bounce house. We will also have plenty of snacks and refreshments, a creative team spirit contest, fun announcements, and much more.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Group gives 'world of help' to couple coping with dementia Group gives 'world of help' to couple coping with dementia

2009-10-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

By Ann Sperring

Korean War veteran Dick Robertson suffers from dementia. His wife, Sarah, whose hand is touching his at their Ocala home Wednesday, is going blind.The Florida Horse Park hosts a benefit Saturday for the local Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance. Korean War veteran Dick Robertson suffers from dementia. His wife, Sarah, whose hand is touching his at their Ocala home Wednesday, is going blind.The Florida Horse Park hosts a benefit Saturday for the local Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance.

A pervasive darkness is wedging itself into the life and loves of Dick Robertson. It is attempting to pry loose the bonds of his marriage of 56 years to his childhood sweetheart and engulf his 78 years of learning.

The darkness throws its shadows into every aspect of Dick and Sarah Robertson's lives and will not retreat from the brightest light man or medicine can shine. Dick Robertson - husband, father, grandfather, Korean War veteran, retired accountant and strapping 6-foot tall man - is slowly being separated from his world as dementia erases his memories and recall function.

Sarah Robertson, her husband's primary caregiver, has macular degeneration nibbling her vision away.

The Robertsons attend one of eight Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance for Education and Support Inc. support groups scattered throughout the county. While the caregivers meet, volunteers engage the clients in activities to stimulate their brains.

A fundraiser to benefit the alliance is being held Saturday at the Florida Horse Park. The 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event includes a cricket match between area physicians and a local cricket team, an antique car show and a silent auction. Admission is $10, and door prize tickets are $1 each.

In addition to support groups, the alliance provides care consultations and helps family members learn about resources and community support.

According to Terrie Hardison, founder and director of the local alliance, each diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia means a caregiver support team of three to five people will be required.

"Lives are going to be changed and demands placed on families that may not match their expectations," she said. "The more knowledge people have, the better their coping skills."

At the Robertson home, two brains are challenged. Dick has to be Sarah's eyes to read prescriptions; she has to recall when he is supposed to take them.

Sarah Robertson said she has found a "world of help from Terrie and the services she and her husband provide. I would be overwhelmed if it were not for the support groups I attend, the knowledge I have acquired, the friends I have made and the comfort of knowing help is a phone call away."

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

The Ray Romano and Kevin James Celebrity Golf Classic to Benefit Advancement in Vision Research

2009-10-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

LA JOLLA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ray Romano and Kevin James Celebrity Golf Classic will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009 at the El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California. This year’s golf classic will benefit the advancement in vision science at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California.

The celebrity tournament is an annual event hosted by television and film stars Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond, Ice Age) and Kevin James (The King of Queens, Paul Blart: Mall Cop). Each year, Romano and James choose a cause to support that is close to their hearts. Funds raised by this year’s golf tournament will support the research and treating of such debilitating vision diseases as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.

“My scientific team and I greatly appreciate Ray and Kevin for choosing The Scripps Research Institute as the beneficiary of this year’s golf tournament. The Ray Romano & Kevin James Celebrity Golf Classic’s contribution will be dedicated to research on stem cells for RP and MD patients,” said Scripps Research Professor Martin Friedlander, M.D./Ph.D., who is also a practicing ophthalmologist at the Scripps Clinic.

For information regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Golf on Earth Event Services at: (818) 594-7277.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Retinal implant could help restore part of vision

2009-09-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

by Indo Asian News Service

Washington, Sep 24 (IANS) Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have designed a retinal implant for people who have lost their vision.

The retinal prosthesis may help restore some vision by electrically stimulating nerve cells that normally carry visual input from the retina to the brain.

The chip will not restore normal vision but can help blind people navigate a room or walk down a sidewalk more easily, say MIT researchers.

‘Anything that could help them see a little better and let them identify objects and move around a room would be an enormous help,’ says Shawn Kelly, a researcher at MIT.

Patients who receive the implant would wear a pair of glasses with a camera that sends images to a micro-chip attached to the eyeball.

The glasses also contain a coil that wirelessly transmits power to receiving coils surrounding the eyeball. When the micro-chip receives visual information, it activates electrodes that stimulates nerve cells in the areas of the retina corresponding to the features of the visual scene.

The electrodes directly activate optical nerves that carry signals to the brain, bypassing the damaged layers of retina.

The research team, led by John Wyatt, MIT professor of electrical engineering and computer science, recently reported a new prototype that they hope to start testing in blind patients within the next three years, after some safety refinements are made.

These findings are slated for publication in October in IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Mayor Johnson, Bobby Jackson and VSP Partner for Local Kids in Need

2009-09-25T17:28:00.000-07:00

VSP® Vision Care partnered with Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and former Sacramento Kings player, Bobby Jackson, to provide no cost eye exams, eyewear and school supplies to students at Herman Leimbach Elementary in South Sacramento this past Sunday, September 20th.

VSP provided a fully-stocked 45 foot mobile eye exam clinic where volunteer VSP doctors conducted full comprehensive eye exams with students in the two state of the art exam rooms.

“This event was a natural fit for VSP, Mayor Johnson and Bobby Jackson,” noted Cheryl Johnson, VSP’s Vice President of Provider Services. “Together, in the spirit of giving back to our community, we were able to help more than three dozen kids with their eyecare needs, and provide a day of exciting sports activities with two hometown heroes for these students and their families.”

Mayor Johnson and Jackson helped the students select their new eyewear. Jackson also conducted basketball drills in special goggles which simulated visual impairments such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

“The impact these diseases had on my vision was amazing,” stated Bobby Jackson. “It was a great way to show the students how good vision and healthy eyes are essential components to being successful in both sports and school.”

Students also received school supply kits delivered through a fundraising effort lead by students at two local elementary schools called, “Focus on Learning” and a contribution by VSP employees. The students allocated over 200 school supply kits. Each included items such as writing utensils, glue sticks and rulers.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

91 Year Old Woman Rides Bike to Fight Vision Loss

2009-09-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

More than ten million Americans are affected by retinal diseases that cause blindness. Local 12's Paula Toti has made raising awareness a personal mission. She's inspired to keep up the fight by people like 91 year old Mary of Fairfield,OH.

Legally blind for the past few years, Mary just added yellow balloons to her three wheeled bike because she's pitching a cause. In a few weeks she'll likely be the oldest walker in the country at vision walk.

"I don't normally mention a woman's age ... I don't mind. You should be proud. I guess I never thought I'd live this long."

At 91, Mary is living independently-going to stores on her bike, walking the bike to the bike shop when the tires are flat. "What's your vision like? I have none. On central none, some peripheral ."

People with macular degeneration like Mary lose central vision first. Those with retinitus pigmentosa lose outside vision first. Those are just two of the many retinal diseases the foundation fighting blindness wants to wipe out with events that fund research. Many of those affected are children.

"I'm used to it now ... I'm used to it, you meet a lot of people biking and they ask a lot of questions." And she's hoping they ask about the balloons and the fund raising.

"I ride in the street it's easier you don't get those bumps and everything you know." Mary has seen a lot of bumps in the road ... but maybe it was the 20 years as a police dispatcher that helped make her so tough. "I keep going because what else can you do."

Vision Walk is October 3rd in the parking lot of the Montgomery Inn Boathouse. Tara Pachmeyer and Jeff Creighton, also from Local 12 are helping with a pre walk fundraiser Tuesday at Trio in Kenwood,OH.
And Thursday night at Embers they're donating some proceeds and we have a silent auction.

Walk Information:

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009
Location: Theodore Berry Friendship Park
1101 Eastern Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Registration:9:00 a.m.
Walk Start: 10:30 a.m.

For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Vision Gateway 2009

2009-09-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

Free eye care exposition and conference,
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14,
Paradise Veteran's Memorial Hall, 6550 Skyway, Paradise,CA.

Eye screening, information on macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopahy, RP, guest speakers, panel of doctors /audience questions and answers, low vision devices, information and resources booths.
Complimentary continental breakfast. Hosted by Independent Living Services of Northern California and the Eye Life Institute.

For more information go to: www.maculardegenerationassociation.org

Lighthouse International Technology Expo (LITE)

2009-09-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 17, 2009
9:30 am to 4:30 pm
111 East 59th St.
New York City

The Second Annual Lighthouse International Technology Expo offers a unique opportunity to experience the latest developments in specialized and mainstream technology products that make life easier for individuals who are visually impaired.

We invite all people with impaired vision, their family and friends, employers, teachers, medical professionals and service providers to participate in this fantastic event. Get the low-down on hi-tech, including cell phones, digital books and music, video magnifiers, text to speech options and more.

Vision Walk in Fort Morgan

2009-08-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

The inaugural Sunset Vision Walk and barbecue will be held Aug. 29 at Riverside Nature Trail in Fort Morgan.
The barbecue and registration will begin at 5 p.m. and the walk begins at 7 p.m.
All proceeds will benefit the Foundation Fighting Blindness, whose urgent mission is to drive research to find preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.
Late registration is $25 for T-shirt and barbecue.
To register for the walk or become a sponsor, contact Wal-Mart Vision Center, 1300 N. Barlow Road in Fort Morgan, or call 970-542-2291.

The blind can still enjoy books

2009-07-12T19:08:00.000-07:00

When my husband Claude and I attend book signings for his two novels, we find an added bonus in doing so. Not only do we meet new people, see old friends and promote and sell his books, but we have the opportunity to inform people who have low vision problems or are legally blind about the service provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Claude has always loved to read. Some years ago when he started experiencing the effects of macular degeneration, someone told him about “talking books,” the free service offered by the library service. Since that time, he has taken advantage of it. Every night at bedtime when I open the book I’m currently reading, he puts on his earphones and clicks the machine provided by the library to listen to a book on tape from the library’s vast selection of titles. They also provide the special tape player. When he completes the tape, he places it in the container it arrived in, flips an address card marked “postage free” on the container, and drops it in the mail.

We have discovered that the service, established by an act of U.S. Congress in 1931 to serve blind adults, is not as well known as we think it should be. In later years the service was expanded to include children, to provide music materials and to include individuals with other physical impairments that prevent reading of standard print.

Last September, the Andalusia Public Library hosted a book signing for Claude’s first book, The Secret in Deep Water Swamp. This newspaper ran a feature article about him. It emphasized that he authored a book he couldn’t read. (He uses computer software that magnifies type and reads what he writes to him.) Rev. Dan McLauren, a retired minister who also has macular degeneration, came to that signing. We learned Dan and his wife Marlene didn’t know about the NLS service. We told them how to get started.

When we were camping this spring, a Florida man bought Claude’s first book in audio on CD for his blind wife. We asked him if he knew about the free books on tape. He didn’t. He immediately started making arrangements to get the service for his wife.

Our book-signing table in Pensacola was close to the audio books in the book store. We struck up a conversation with a man who was looking them over. His vision was impaired due to a stroke. He had a lot of trouble reading. We posed the question again. And again we found someone who was unaware.

That same day my husband also shared the information with a person with vision problems as the result of brain surgery.

If you know someone who is denied the joy of reading because of vision problems or another handicap, help them get in touch with their librarian who can furnish them with the form to apply for books (and magazines and music) on tape or in Braille.

Helping Hands: Seniors with Low Vision Find Help

2009-06-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

By Sally Rummel

In the corner of Joyce McAllister’s dining room, there is a great armoire filled top to bottom with cookbooks. Post-It notes stick out of many of them, marking the time-tested, well-used recipes. The 77-year-old can’t use many of the recipes that fill the cabinet anymore, but it’s not that she doesn’t want to. She simply can’t make out the print anymore.

“There are so many things that are affected when you’re sight impaired, you don’t even realize it until you can’t see,” McAllister said. “I used to peruse (cookbooks) all the time. Now it’s very hard.”

Since being diagnosed with macular degeneration in 1985, McAllister’s eyesight has gotten steadily worse. She later developed Fuchs dystrophy, leading to a cornea replacement and a macular hole, which also required surgery. Now, though not legally blind, her sight is severely impaired.

“The most difficult for me is the reading,” she said. “I’m a poet and a prolific reader, and it is so frustrating not to be able to see.”

Help came to McAllister when she was referred to the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, a Binghamton not-for-profit that serves a number of area counties. The group connected the Tompkins county senior with the Community Senior Vision Rehabilitation Program, designed specifically to help seniors with low vision maintain a safe and independent life.

“It helps a great deal,” she said.

The program helps individuals over 55 cope with the frustrations and struggles that accompany low vision. By using light, magnification and color contrast techniques, the program allows seniors to best utilize what residual sight they have left.

“We sit down and find out in what areas of their life their vision limits their function; then we teach strategies to reduce or eliminate those barriers,” said Rick McCarthy, director of program services for the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment. “We’re not actually improving their vision, but their function,” he said.

The program is unique in that it provides services to those not yet considered legally blind, which is defined as having vision of 20/200 or worse.

“Before this program existed, if you weren’t legally blind, you weren’t able to get services,” McCarthy said. “There’s a large population out there who have degenerative eye disease, but they haven’t reached that threshold of legal blindness, and it’s really unfortunate that their quality of life and potential safety should have to suffer until they become legally blind.”

By enrolling in the program, users like McAllister receive a free low-vision examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist with special training in low vision who consider lighting and magnification as possible options to improve function. Clients then visit with a vision rehabilitation therapist who helps them outfit aspects of their life to better cope with their impairment.

“(My rehabilitation therapist) told me about the services they offer and the kinds of things they could do for me. He arranged to have my (large print) pill labels printed, and he arranged for my magnifying glasses,” McAllister said. “It’s helped a great deal.”

McAllister’s therapist, Ralph Gedeon, said that it is not only items like magnifying glasses that help seniors manage daily with low vision. Providing them with strategies to adjust to a more limited lifestyle can be invaluable.

“Individuals have great difficulty getting used to the fact that they’re losing their vision,” he said. “Depending on the level of difficulty the person has (adjusting), sometimes we refer them to therapists to help them cope and provide solutions by just talking to them.”

The Community Senior Vision Rehabilitation Program began two years ago with a grant from the Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation. An additional grant through the Helen Thomas Howland along with another year of funding pledged by Reader’s Digest has helped the program serve Tompkins County seniors.

Soon, McCarthy said, the program will have to start searching for another means for support.

“We’re coming to a close on the grant funding we’ve been able to secure,” he said.

The state may soon start aiding services for people who do not qualify as legally blind. While the certainty of service funding is not concrete, it is something agencies like the Association for Vision Rehabilitation are watching very closely.

“The legislation was passed, but we haven’t been able to get enough information out of this year’s state budget to see if any funding has been put forward to move that out of the gate,” McCarthy said. Securing such funds would allow the Community Senior Vision Rehabilitation Program to help the estimated 1,500 seniors with low vision in Tompkins county who may not even know they can benefit from such services.

“One of the biggest challenges many of our consumers express to us it that they didn’t know that this type of service existed,” McCarthy said. “It’s still not front and center in people’s minds to reach out to us when they realize that they have a vision loss.”

McAllister appreciates the quality of life the program brings to her.

“People should know of them before (they become) legally blind,” she said. “I really think it would be wonderful if more people would know about this organization because they are just so willing to help.”

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Macular Degeneration Seminar on Treatment, Research, Life After Diagnosis

2009-05-30T20:36:00.001-07:00

FULLERTON, CA- The Eye Care Center at Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) partnered with Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) and Enhanced Vision to host a free seminar to discuss “Macular Degeneration:Treatment, Research and Life After Diagnosis.” The seminar was held at the Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton on May 9.

The Low Vision Seminar was very well attended and the audience well informed. Guest speakers included Dr. Timothy You, MD of the Orange County Medical Group and Dr. Rebecca Kammer, OD, Chief of the Walls Low Vision Rehabilitation Center at SCCO. Both addressed topics such as medical advances in treating Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), rehabilitation and independent living including adaptive devices.

This open forum of information was the perfect platform for individuals who have either just been diagnosed as well as those who simply want to be kept up-to-date on the latest advancements and options available in helping them continue to live independently.

Enhanced Vision, the leading manufacturers of low vision products designed for people who are legally blind, have macular degeneration and other low vision conditions were available to provide information about electronic magnification devices.

Valuable resource information was also available from Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB), a non-profit national organization that funds research to provide preventions, treatments and cures for various low vision conditions.

Seminars such as this have become an imperative way of generating a much needed awareness in local communities that yes, treatments may be available, research is being done, adaptive technology is ever expanding and very accessible and no, you are not alone!”

Pfizer announces partnership to develop stem cell-based therapies for ophthalmic conditions

2009-05-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

Pfizer announces partnership to develop stem cell-based therapies for ophthalmic conditions

Posted on 27 April 2009

Pfizer’s Regenerative Medicine unit announced that it signed an agreement with University College London aimed at developing stem cell-based therapies primarily for wet and dry macular degeneration, as well as other retinal diseases. As part of the collaboration, Pfizer gains exclusive worldwide rights to develop and market a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) stem cell-based treatment.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will provide funding to the university to enable research into the development of such therapies, as well as offer its expertise in clinical trials, interaction with global regulators and product manufacturing techniques. In addition, following the completion of pre-clinical testing, the drugmaker will have the option to conduct further trials and market any potential product resulting from the collaboration.

Ruth McKernan, chief scientific officer of Pfizer Regenerative Medicine, did not disclose financial details of the partnership but said the drugmaker plans to invest $100 million in stem-cell research in the coming three to five years.

Taking blindness out of the dark

2009-05-03T02:11:00.001-07:00

Perry County
Taking blindness out of the dark
Perry County women take to annual VisionWalk in hopes of finding cure for their children.

Sisters Barbara Bronson and Mariann Campbell will be involved with the VisionWalk in Baltimore this Saturday to help raise money for The Foundation Fighting Blindness.

For more information on the walk or to donate money to their team of walkers, go to www.visionwalk.org, and search for the sisters’ Perry County team, “Out of the Darkness into the Light.”

By Naomi Creason, Sentinel Reporter, April 27, 2009

Mariann Campbell (sitting, holding child) and her sister Barbara Bronson (sitting by the post) have a hereditary degenerative blindness gene they have passed on to their children. Pictured left to right: Nathaniel Bronson, 9, Mcenzy Campbell, 12, Aidan Campbell, 3, Mariann Campbell, Bronson, Colton Campbell, 8, and Ariana Campbell, 12. (Jason Malmont/The Sentinel)

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When Barbara Bronson took her 3-year-old son, Nathaniel, to the optometrist for his first checkup six years ago, she was not expecting the words that left her doctor’s mouth: retinitis pigmentosa.

All Bronson knew for sure about it was that a retinal degenerative disease did not sound good. And that was pretty much the only information she was left with. The disease would claim her son’s vision, but the doctor knew of no cure, no treatment and no way to slow its progress.

She left the doctor’s office with more questions than answers.

“They just walk you out of the office with no answers,” said Bronson of Duncannon. “Most family doctors just don’t pick up on it. My doctor was really hands on, but most are just not trained to look for it.”

For a few months, Bronson didn’t want to think about how her seemingly healthy boy would lose his sight in a time frame that no one could pin down. But eventually she started her research and starting seeing things she hadn’t noticed before.

Two other male family members were struggling with their eyesight, both in their late 30s but never diagnosed with the disease.

That realization, however, was a little late for her sister, Mariann Campbell. By the time the Millerstown woman realized what was happening with her sister’s now 9-year-old son, Campbell already had two sons, Aidan, 3, and Colton, who is 8 and had not been diagnosed with the disease at his first check-up.

She brought both her sons into the doctor’s office and found out both had RP.

No genetics testing has been done on the boys, but given that five, almost six, men in their family on their mother’s side had been diagnosed with RP, Bronson and Campbell heavily suspect that the disease in their family is a rare form called X-linked, where women are carriers of the disease and can pass it on to their sons.

“You never want to pass anything like that on, especially when you don’t know how fast the disease is going to move,” Campbell said. “But (now that it’s happened), I couldn’t just sit back and twiddle my thumbs.”

The two scoured Web sites trying to find information about RP and eventually came upon the Foundation Fighting Blindness and its annual VisionWalk.

Looking for solutions

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is the leading non-governmental organization funding retinal disease research. The organization was initially started because of its founder’s battle with RP, but it has since grown to fund research for other forms of retinal degenerative diseases, including Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), which some people may recognize as the cause of former “American Idol” contestant Scott MacIntyre’s condition, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects more than 10 million Americans 55 years and older.

Though AMD affects millions of Americans, RP and LCA do not, which proves to be a sticking point when it comes to research funding.

“A lot of the issue in funding is because blindness is inherited,” said Angela Vasquez, director of communications and marketing at the foundation. “Government wants to spend money on research that will affect millions of people, so they don’t put a lot of emphasis on something that affects a smaller population.

“Macular degeneration affects millions, and because we have an aging population, the prevalence of that disease is going to continue to grow and a great amount of emphasis will be placed on that,” she added. “That’s why we feel that what we do is important, because we’re giving more attention to something that otherwise wouldn’t have received it.”

The funding, including more than $7 million from three years of VisionWalks, has helped researchers develop clinical trials in which stem cells are transplanted into mice to restore vision in those with RP and severe vision loss is treated with gene therapy.

“Some of the research also deals with cross cutting, which means that the work on one disease may have potential to apply treatment to another disease,” Vasquez said.

Both results from preliminary trials allow Bronson and Campbell to keep hoping for the best. But neither woman is willing to settle for just waiting for the trials to come to them, especially as Nathaniel and Colton are already showing signs of vision loss, particularly in dimly lit areas. They are planning to keep raising awareness of retinal degenerative diseases and keep trying to pull more money into further research.

“We want to create a Harrisburg walk,” Campbell said. “There’s one in Philadelphia and one in Pittsburgh but not one here. I’m sure there are other families affected by this in the area.”

Blind to be cured with stem cells

2009-04-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

From The Sunday Times
April 19, 2009
Blind to be cured with stem cells
Sarah-Kate Templeton, Health Editor

BRITISH scientists have developed the world’s first stem cell therapy to cure the most common cause of blindness. Surgeons predict it will become a routine, one-hour procedure that will be generally available in six or seven years’ time.

The treatment involves replacing a layer of degenerated cells with new ones created from embryonic stem cells. It was pioneered by scientists and surgeons from the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London and Moorfields eye hospital.

This week Pfizer, the world’s largest pharmaceutical research company, will announce its financial backing to bring the therapy to patients.

The treatment will tackle age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness. It affects more than 500,000 Britons and the number is forecast to increase significantly as people live longer. The disease involves the loss of eye cells.

Under the new treatment, embryonic stem cells are transformed into replicas of the missing cells. They are then placed on an artificial membrane which is inserted in the back of the retina.

Tom Bremridge, chief executive of the Macular Disease Society, said: “This is a huge step forward for patients. We are extremely pleased that the big guns have become involved, because, once this treatment is validated, it will be made available to a huge volume of patients.”

Embryonic stem cells have the ability to develop into all types of body tissue. Their use is controversial, however, because it involves the destruction of human embryos.

Laboratory trials completed by the British team have demonstrated that stem cells can prevent blindness in rats with a similar disease to AMD. They have also successfully tested elements of the technology in pigs.

The team is led by Professor Pete Coffey, director of the London Project to Cure Blindness, working alongside Lyndon da Cruz, a surgeon at Moorfields.

Coffey said the treatment would take “less than an hour, so it really could be considered as an outpatient procedure. We are trying to get it out as a common therapy”.

He welcomed Pfizer’s agreement to manufacture the membranes, saying: “This is a major development because of the size of the partner. We need a big pharmaceutical company to scale it up.

“We have nearly 14m people within Europe with AMD. This will ensure that the therapy gets through to clinical trials in a safe and effective manner.”

Professor Peng Khaw, director of the Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, added: “This shows that stem cell therapy is coming of age. It offers great hope for many sufferers around the world who cannot be treated with conventional treatment.” He added: “All my patients say to me is, ‘When will this stem cell treatment be ready? I want it now’.”

Pfizer’s role would be crucial in bringing production of the membranes to an industrial level.

The team is applying for regulatory approval for trials from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the Human Tissue Authority and the gene therapy advisory committee.

The clinical trial, due within two years, is expected to be the second in the world to use embryonic stem cells on humans. The first, on patients with spinal cord injuries, will start this year in America.

Nearly 18 Million Will Have Macular Degeneration by 2050

2009-04-19T05:07:00.000-07:00

Nearly 18 Million Will Have Macular Degeneration by 2050
04.13.09, 08:00 PM EDT
But newer treatments could reduce related blindness by almost 35%, study suggests

TUESDAY, April 14 (HealthDay News) -- Although the rate of age-related macular degeneration is on the increase, newer treatments could help reduce the most serious effects of the disease by about 35 percent, new estimates suggest.

In a study funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers report that as many as 9.1 million people will have age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2010, but that 17.8 million people will have the potentially blinding eye disease by 2050.

"What we found is that due to aging, the number of cases of early and advanced AMD will increase dramatically no matter what," said study author David Rein, a senior research economist from RTI International in Research Triangle Park, N.C. "In 2050, we project there will be 1.57 million cases of blindness [caused by AMD] with no treatment. But, with vigorous treatment, that number's just about 1 million."

Results of the study are published in the April issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

Age-related macular degeneration is a serious eye disease that causes the breakdown of the macula, which is located in the retina. The macula gives you clear central vision, which is essential for reading and driving, even for just seeing people's faces. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 65, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmologists (AAO).

Risk factors for AMD include advancing age, a family history of the disease, high blood pressure, smoking and obesity, according to the AAO. Though there are treatments that help some people, there is no cure for AMD.

Most of the treatments for AMD are relatively new, only widely available since about 2001, according to Rein. The easiest and cheapest intervention is a special vitamin/mineral combination (vitamins C, E, beta carotene, zinc and copper) that may slow the progression of AMD. This treatment only costs about $100 per year, and when used early in the disease can "reduce vision-threatening disease by 25 percent," Rein noted.

Other possible treatments include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), which slows the growth of leaking blood vessels in the eyes, laser therapy or photodynamic therapy (PDT), which combines the use of medication and laser therapy to reduce blood vessel leakage in the eyes.

Using a statistical model, the researchers estimated that the rate of visual impairment would drop by 2.4 percent if everyone with AMD were treated with PDT alone, but by 22 percent if PDT was combined with vitamin treatments. If, in the future, everyone were treated with laser therapy and anti-VEGF, visual impairment and blindness from AMD would decrease by 16.9 percent, and the final scenario -- early vitamin treatment and laser therapy -- would reduce serious visual problems in AMD by 34.5 percent.

"Age-related macular degeneration is a major public health problem, and as people are living longer, more people are going to develop some form of macular degeneration," said Dr. Alexander Aizman, a clinical instructor in the department of ophthalmology at New York University School of Medicine in New York City. "The scenarios in this study are very plausible."

Aizman said that although there's currently no specific preventive treatment to avoid AMD altogether, the same things that keep your heart and the rest of your body healthy -- maintaining the proper weight, exercising, not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke -- can also help keep your eyes healthy.

"If you have a relative who has been diagnosed with AMD, it's important to know that you're probably at a higher risk of AMD than the general population," said Aizman. "If you're 60 or older, have regular eye checkups with an ophthalmologist or a retinal specialist to find out if you have any early changes that suggest AMD."

New Low-Cost Handheld Device offers Independence for Millions of Visually Impaired Americans

2009-04-11T03:36:00.000-07:00

New Low-Cost Handheld Device offers Independence for Millions of Visually Impaired Americans

Enhanced Vision Launches "Pebble" - a Feature-Rich Magnifying Solution for Extreme Portability at Affordable Price
Instead of carrying around multiple magnifiers, Pebble adapts to a wide range of situations, so it grows as a user's condition changes. And at a price that's hundreds of dollars less than competing products, it's the ideal solution at this challenging time.

Huntington Beach, Calif. (PRWEB) April 10, 2009 -- Enhanced Vision, America's leading manufacturer of magnifying solutions for the visually impaired, launched a powerful new hand-held device today that can bring affordable independence to the 15 Million+ Americans suffering from low vision conditions such as macular degeneration. At just $595 and no larger than a men's wallet, "Pebble" is an exciting new vision device that gives users the freedom to read menus, check price tags, write checks, and much more while on the go.

The Pebble features:

* Bright, 3.5" high resolution LCD display that magnifies words and objects from 2-10X the normal size
* Choice of six video viewing modes for optimal contrast
* "Freeze image" feature with additional magnification capabilities
* Hands-free mode for reading and writing
* Built-in LED light source for dim lighting conditions(e.g. restaurants)
* 2 AA rechargeable batteries, wall adapter and carrying case

Currently, more than 15 million people in the United States are diagnosed with low vision conditions, such as Macular Degeneration which makes everyday activities like reading, writing, and ordering at restaurants a real challenge. And with America's aging population, this number is expected to double by 2020. Leading eye care specialists have discovered that video magnification is a solution for these individuals to regain and maintain their independence.

"With the Pebble, we're giving people the confidence to do everyday activities again with a single, simple device," said Michelle Williams, Director of Marketing at Enhanced Vision. "Instead of carrying around multiple magnifiers, Pebble adapts to a wide range of situations, so it grows as a user's condition changes. And at a price that's hundreds of dollars less than competing products, it's the ideal solution at this challenging time."

For more information about Enhanced Vision and its products, please call (888) 811-3161 or visit www.enhancedvision.com.

About Enhanced Vision:
Enhanced Vision is the leading developer of innovative products designed specifically for people who are legally blind and have macular degeneration and other low-vision conditions. The company offers the most comprehensive line of electronic magnifying solutions and has helped thousands of people regain their visual independence by providing the ability to read, write, watch TV, enjoy a play and live again. Headquartered in Huntington Beach, Calif., Enhanced Vision products are available in more than 70 countries worldwide. For more information, please call (888) 811-3161 or visit www.enhancedvision.com.

Eye donation: a gift that gives twice

2009-04-05T06:47:00.001-07:00

On average, two out of three Iowans mark "yes" to organ donation on their driver's license. The state boasts the highest donor designation rate in the country.

This is good news for patients with eye disorders, and University of Iowa physicians and scientists also laud Iowans' generosity. March is National Eye Donation Awareness Month and highlights the year-round efforts of UI experts and the Iowa Lions Eye Bank who work together to utilize the donated tissue.

"Iowa Lions Eye Bank facilitates the gift of sight through transplant and the gift of answers through research," said Katie Charter, director of donor development at the eye bank. "They are both equally important in sight restoration and preservation."

Only the cornea and sclera can be transplanted; the cornea is the clear dome, which covers the front of the eye, that helps focus light, and the sclera is the white fibrous tissue that protects the eye.

Surgeons perform about 40,000 cornea transplants each year in the United States. In 95 percent of cases, the procedure successfully restores a recipient's vision. The Iowa Lions Eye Bank, founded in 1955, has provided more than 15,000 corneas for transplantation, and helped the UI obtain the latest devices for these procedures.

Eye donations lead to additional opportunities for helping patients; scientists can use donated ocular tissue for research and teaching.

Other than a call from the eye bank to retrieve a sample, few other circumstances could rouse researchers in the UI Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences from their beds at 4 a.m. One such scientist is Robert Mullins, Ph.D., a UI associate professor. His team uses the donated tissue to study a potential cause of macular degeneration, a common eye disorder.

Seeking ways to diagnose and treat macular degeneration in its early stages, UI scientists have been awarded millions of dollars in NIH funding to study multiple facets of the disorder. Macular degeneration is largely responsible for blindness in the elderly population in industrialized countries. It affects one in seven adults older than age 75, and is often known as age-related macular degeneration. The macula is part of the retina, the layer of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells. When cells in the macula get damaged, vision loss -- sometimes severe -- can result.

At his lab in the UI Carver Family Center for Macular Degeneration, Mullins and his team explore how the blanket of blood vessels nourishing the retina has a role in disease development.

However, Mullins said researchers face one major hurdle. With the exception of primates, the animal models available do not have maculas. For his research findings to eventually reach clinical practice, Mullins relies on donated human eye tissue. His colleagues and team members are on call at all times, ready to whisk a sample to the lab to make sure the cells do not start to break down.

"The field suffered a lot from the lack of appropriate models," Mullins said. "That's why eye donations are a precious resource -- we have to treat them in a responsible way and learn as much as we can from the samples. Our scientists share these valuable specimens to try to understand the biological causes of diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma."

Nearby on the health campus, Rachel Asbury, a social worker with the Family Support Program at UI Hospitals and Clinics, may also receive a call at odd hours regarding organ and tissue donation. Asbury knows too well that the kindness of strangers is often rooted in tragedy, for example a fatal car accident. She is specially trained to help families through the difficult time and works with the Iowa Donor Network to offer the opportunity of donation. Her job meshes crisis intervention and advocacy for the grieving families.

Should a family choose to make a donation, Asbury works with the physicians and nurses to evaluate medical suitability and coordinates activities with the Iowa Lions Eye Bank. She also answers questions that donor families may have about how the tissue will be used. She said that "research" initially seems like an abstract term, but learning about UI scientists' work can be reassuring to a potential donor's relatives.

"We don't leave it at 'donate to research' and make that the end of the sentence," she said. "When I tell them it's for macular degeneration, families say, 'Oh, I think Aunt Beth had that.' Then it hits home."

With both research and transplant as options, essentially anyone can donate eye tissue. Even those with poor eyesight, cataracts or cancer can give. Individuals who mark "yes" to donation on their driver's license give consent for tissue to be used for transplants only. People who wish to donate to research can register with the Iowa Donor Registry at http://www.iowadonorregistry.org.

Doctor Raises Macular Degeneration Awareness

2009-03-30T04:22:00.000-07:00

By Jessica Goodman
Times-News Staff Writer

Published: Monday, March 30, 2009 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 9:14 p.m.

Two years ago, Gisela Hennig, 83, noticed straight lines weren’t so straight.

“I was sitting on my porch and I noticed the window sides were kind of crocked,” she said. “I didn’t know what was wrong, but something wasn’t kosher.”

She went to the ophthalmologist and was referred to Dr. Robert Park, the retina specialist at Carolina Ophthalmology. He diagnosed her with age-related macular degeneration.

“Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that affects a deep layer of cells underneath the eye,” said Park.

The eyes work similarly to a camera, explained Park. In a camera, light enters and is focused on film. In the eye, light is focused onto a light sensitive layer known as the retina. The most sensitive area of the retina is a yellow-colored area called the macula. According to Park, the area is about the size of a pencil eraser. Macular degeneration occurs when the RPE cells, which feed and support the light sensitive cells in the macula, are damaged. When the RPE cells are damaged, the light sensitive cells die and vision worsens. The central vision will gradually be lost to the point of legal blindness. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in the western world, explained Park.

“With time, (sufferers of macular degeneration) notice they’re developing a black spot or a gray spot,” said Park.

Helen Letner, 67, thought she was suffering from cataracts at first.

“The right eye just kept getting worse and worse,” she said.

When she went to see her eye doctor, her doctor realized it wasn’t the cataracts that were affecting her eyes. She was diagnosed with macular degeneration.

“It’s frightening because none of us want to go blind,” said Letner.

There are two forms of macular degeneration. Eighty-five percent of people have the dry type of macular degeneration, which is characterized by RPE cells becoming diseased and dying. Blindness gradually develops over the years. Treatment for the dry type of the disease is mostly preventive or to slow the disease’s progression and stabilize a person’s vision. Patients are encouraged to stop smoking and increase their intake of leafy vegetables, nuts and fish or fish oil.

“It’s a disease that’s very common,” said Park.

Both Letner and Hennig have the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. Fifteen percent of patients have the wet form of macular degeneration.

With the wet form, “new blood vessels grow from a deep layer of the eye called the choroids into the space under the RPE cells,” said Park. “The new blood vessels are fragile and leak blood and fluid causing rapid central vision loss.”

“If they’re looking at a door frame or look at perhaps a telephone pole, they may notice a section of the pole disappears or the pole is bending,” said Park. “They may be able to see the beginning or the end of a sentence, but not the middle.”

Legal blindness quickly develops with the wet form. Treatment is centered around stopping new blood vessels from growing. Park uses a new drug called Lucentis, introduced in 2005, which helps prevent new blood vessels from growing. Patients usually get multiple injections into the eye from four months to two years. According to Park, 96 percent of patients have stabilization of their disease with 40 percent having improvement of eyesight.

“The first time I was here, I couldn’t see the big E on the chart,” said Letner. After her first injection, she could see several lines down.

“I was a little scared,” said Hennig. “There’s a new medication and it seems to help.”

The average age of the loss of sight related to macular degeneration is 65. The earliest onset of the disease is 40. Symptoms include blurry vision, blind spots and the appearance of crooked lines.

“I couldn’t imagine going blind,” added Park, when asked why he wanted to raise awareness. “Sight it precious.”

Park suggested contacting your eye care professional immediately if you see any of the symptoms.

2009-03-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

Pennfield Lions Club donates video magnifier
TIM BEUCHLER • READER SUBMITTED • MARCH 18, 2009
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Pennfield Lions Club purchased a new Optelec Desktop Video Magnifier for Beatrice Young, who suffers from macular degeneration. Beatrice had a video magnifier loaned to her on a trial basis with the option to buy the magnifier, but finances prevented her from purchasing the equipment.

Beatrice Young's family contacted Pennfield Lion Tim Beuchler requesting help with their mom's eye vision problems. Macular degeneration prevented Beatrice to do any reading, and difficulty writing checks to pay bills and read her prescription dosages. On February 18th, the Pennfield Lions Club Board of Directors unanimously voted to purchase the equipment for Beatrice, the Pennfield Lions Club spent $1,970.00 on the video magnifier, and delivered it to her apartment on February 23rd. Beatrice was overjoyed with the magnifier and commented, "I can see again!" The 17" Video Magnifier will magnify anything under the viewfinder 2 to over 50 times its original size, always maintaining perfect focus.

Pennfield Lions Club are very active in the Pennfield community and very supportive of the Food Bank. Anyone interested in joining the Pennfield Lions Club should contact Membership Director Darrell VanVleet at 968-4594.

Eye Donation: A Gift the Gives Twice

2009-03-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

Have Your Glasses Fit Your Personality

2009-03-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

Have Your Glasses Fit Your Personality

by Amanda Somrekli
Reading glasses have come a long way since today’s senior citizens started using them. Seniors are accustomed to buying bland styles of reading glasses at drug stores. But Baby Boomers have embraced readers in a way that could never have been anticipated. Boomers view them not simply as a vision aid but as items that help make fashion statements.

There is also an amazing variety of colors to choose from; elegant black to modern tortoise. You could of course try something new and go for a dash of bright green or purple. Some of the styles for full frames says it all; Bada Bing, Clark Kent, Geek or Depth Charger.

You may have noticed that people have second thoughts about approaching you, even though your closest friends swear that you have the most congenial personality.

There are also several age related eye diseases that can occur over 40. Most serious eye diseases are painless, and show no symptoms for years. Only a qualified professional can detect and diagnose them before they cause permanent damage.

For a man, a square face conveys undeniable strength, such as the face of Bruce Willis. For a woman, the square shape has led to many agonizing minutes of using makeup to soften the overall countenance.

But some women, like Jamie Lee Curtis, appear comfortable with their square faces. The secret is around the eyes. With the right reading glasses or sunreaders, a woman does need to not worry much about makeup.

Macular Degeneration results in the loss of sharp vision. The macula is the part of your eye that is responsible for sharp focus, and bringing things clearly into view. The cause of this condition is still unknown, and it generally affects people over 60. Like all other parts of your body, your eyes respond favorably to great nutrition and exercise.

With the huge variety of colors, shapes and materials available today your first shopping experience can be overwhelming. However, if you follow a few simple suggestions you should have no problem finding something just right.

Some signs of Presbyopia include needing to hold reading materials at arm’s distance, blurry vision in low light, and eye fatigue or headaches when working up close.

Using this method you will take the mystery out of, and make selecting your next pair of eyeglass or reading glasses frames much more fun.

Living with Macular Degeneration - Everyday Tips

2009-02-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

There are many adjustments to make in your every day living with macular degeneration. Some are easy and simple, some are more difficult and other adjustments involve relationships and how we communicate with others.

Contrast is King
As your macular degeneration progresses it becomes more difficult to see or notice objects when there isn't as much contrast - such as a black pen on a black granite counter top, but ...put that black pen on a white counter top it can be seen quite easily.

Provide contrast to all areas of your home such as:

√ Use white plates on a dark tablecloth

√ Use dark colored face plates on your electrical switches and outlets if your have light colored walls

√ Put dark colored decals on your sliding glass doors

√ Use white on black stickers to label your computer keys

√ Paint the edges of your outdoor steps in white

√ Use bright and varied colored measuring cups and spoons

√ Select kitchen canisters that contrast with the color of your countertop

√ Use bathroom towels and washcloths that are a solid color and contrast with your bathtub, sink and counter.

√ Use potholders that are bright, solid colored and contrast with your counters

√ Drink coffee from a white mug and milk from a dark glass

√ Use a dark colored cutting board when preparing cauliflower, potatoes, onions or mushrooms

√ Use a white cutting board when preparing dark leafy greens, green peppers, or zucchini

Reduce Glare
Glare can interfere with your vision and it can come from a bright room filled with sunshine to just trying to see a shiny deck of cards.

There are ways to adapt to glare. You can:

√ Choose incandescent lights over fluorescent lights

√ Change your position in relationship to your light source

√ Use venetian blinds or sheer curtains to allow as much sunlight in and yet can
accommodate the glare

√ Put down rugs (secure them) to reduce glare from polished hardwood floors

√ Wear light yellow NOIR sunglasses to cut glare indoors and outdoors

√ Choose furniture with a flat or matt finish

√ Develop your pictures with a matt finish rather than a glossy finish

Lighting
Living with macular degeneration will involve more lights and brighter lights as your macular degeneration progresses.

Macular Degeneration Magnifier
Living with macular degeneration can be very frustrating when you can't see a picture, read the newspaper, or continue with your favorite hobby. One of the simplest tips is to use magnifiers. You will need different magnifiers for different tasks. Many of them are very inexpensive.

Independent Living: People with vision disabilities have support groups available

2009-02-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

theithacajournal.com

February 14, 2009

By Sherry Thurston
Guest Columnist

Did you know that 20.5 million Americans 40 and older have a cataract in at least one eye and another 6 million have had cataract surgery?

Just in the United States alone, it is believed that there are approximately 120,000 patients who are believed to be legally blind from glaucoma. Glaucoma can cause blindness if it is left untreated. And unfortunately about 10 percent of people with glaucoma who receive proper treatment still experience loss of vision.

Macular degeneration is a major cause of visual impairment in the United States. Approximately 1.8 million Americans age 40 and older have advanced macular degeneration, and another 7.3 million people with intermediate macular degeneration are at substantial risk of vision loss. The government estimates that by 2020 there will be 2.9 million people with advanced macular degeneration.

These numbers are unbelievable. I have glaucoma and have been treating my glaucoma for about 15 years. Before the glaucoma I had two cataract surgeries and have been classified legally blind since the age of 2. While growing up in the 1960s and 1970s there were no support groups to help me understand my vision loss or for me to socialize with others who had a visual disability. With support from my family, I coped with the situation and graduated from school. As I got older and learned more about the services in the community, I became a peer counselor. I realized how important it is to have a peer-run support group for people with visual disabilities.

The support group not only offers a support network for people with visual disabilities but it offers resources and support for family members and interested community members. Not everyone needs a support group, and that is OK. Those who do come, come for socialization because they feel isolated in their homes, not being able to get out because of their vision loss. Some people come for the information that is being shared by a guest speaker or by the agency facilitating the support group. Then you get others who like to share their experiences living with a vision loss, and that is the whole idea of the support group: sharing of experiences and ideas with difficult areas in our lives. If we share our experiences, someone else will learn from our experiences and that experience will make their life not so difficult. One other thing about support groups is that they do not have to be a negative thing. I like to think that the Visual Support Group at Finger Lakes Independence Center is a positive influence on those who attend.

Do you have a visual disability and have wanted to attend a support group but have not because you have thought it would be depressing? Why don't you make a New Year's resolution and give me a call and attend the Visual Support Group. Call FLIC at 272-2433.

New Clinic For Veterans

2009-02-12T08:43:00.001-08:00

A new clinic is offering special services for veterans that have vision loss or macular degeneration.
The Sioux Falls VA Medical Center has a new clinic offering low vision evaluations, activities of daily living assessment, and supply and education of low vision devices such as magnifiers, special lighting, and closed circuit televisions.
For more information or to schedule an appointment contact 1-800-316-8387, ext. 5924.

Schepens Eye Research Institute plans symposium

2009-02-05T14:55:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

The Schepens Eye Research Institute's local 2009 Eye & Vision Research Symposium is slated to be held Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

The event will provide information on living with macular degeneration, stem-cell advancements and new clinical treatments.

The events are free and open to the public.

Registration, a coffee and a display of low-vision aids will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the program from 10 a.m. to noon. A question-and-answer session will conclude the event. Speakers will include Dr. David A. Snyder of Delray Eye Associates; Dr. Michael Gilmore, senior scientist at the Schepens; Dr. Michael Young, associate scientist at Schepens; and Richard A. Godfrey, the institute's patient liaison.

Registration is requested: Call (866) 258-8505 or visit www.schepens.harvard.edu/symposia_2009.php.

Degenerative eye disease may claim woman's sight, but won't take her positive attitude

2009-02-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

By Richard J. Alley, Memphis Commercial Appeal

Lynette Herman stares into the middle distance while listening to a conversation, occasionally offering up information, correcting her husband's memory or erupting with a sharp burst of laughter.

There is levity in those steel grey eyes, and something else: a malfunction that reaches to the cells lining the back inside wall of the eyes. The mutation of a gene reaching back to at least the turn of the last century.

She suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, a disease causing the degeneration of the retina and eventual blindness in some 100,000 Americans. Suffering, though, is not the way Lynette, or her husband, Dr. Martin Herman, would characterize it.

While RP robs its carriers of eyesight gradually, usually taking until the age of 40 or so before rendering them legally blind, Lynette is anything but a victim, refusing to lose her positive attitude along with her vision.

One can't help but notice the beautiful pool table just beyond the living room at the Herman house. Martin says Lynette never played. She, however, insists she did. "I just found out blind people can play golf, too," she says.

"We're going to give it a shot," said her husband.

RP is hereditary and can be traced back in her family, originally from Tupelo, Miss., to her great-grandmother, passed to her grandmother and then four of her grandmother's children, including Lynette's father. Her sister, three aunts and uncles and five cousins also have RP.

Family reunions are full of people who know to touch when they approach to talk, never to move a chair and to not put a glass of Coke on a dark tablecloth. "I've known about it my whole life and wasn't just hit over the head with it," she said.

Diagnosed with the autosomal dominant variation of RP, she was born with a 50/50 chance of having the mutated gene. Lynette, 56, first noticed her fading eyesight as a child with trouble seeing at night, a typical first symptom, eventually needing a pronounced contrast

to distinguish objects in her environment as an adult. Her frontal vision is almost totally gone and she can see people and shapes better through her peripheral vision.

She continued with life as normal until she had to stop driving in her 40s, which, she admits, was probably pushing it. "But," she said, "it didn't affect my life until then. I've had a full life."

Lynette has been married to Martin, a pediatrics emergency specialist with Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, for 25 years. The two have one daughter who, at 24, shows no sign of RP.

The husband and wife banter, joke and pick at each other's stories. He's helpful, but is in no way a crutch. She doesn't need one, nor would she accept one if offered. Though they walk the neighborhood together; a walking stick is never used, as she is wary of drawing attention to herself.

Martin walks ahead with their dog and calls out only if there is a break in the path or some other obstruction, such as the new street signs the city of Memphis placed in the middle of the sidewalks.

Eating out, Martin says, is the most difficult activity, especially any place with mood lighting. "I load up two plates at a buffet. I hope people are understanding."

The Hermans and Lynette's sister are all on the board of the Mid-South Chapter of Foundation Fighting Blindness (blindness.org), an organization that, according to their mission statement, "drives the research that will provide prevention, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher Syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases."

Dr. Stephen Rose, a molecular biologist and the foundation's chief research officer, is excited by the prospects of gene therapy and the possibilities of "turning off the bad copy of the gene and getting rid of the toxic product being made." He sees progress at institutions around the country, specifically at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. There three subjects in their late teens and early 20s received gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis, an inherited disease causing blindness at birth. Afterward, they were able to read three lines on an eye chart and navigate an obstacle course.

The Hermans, naturally, are hopeful for a cure, or even a halt to the progression into blindness. But the issue isn't dwelt upon. Lynette fills her days with trading stocks online with the help of a Microsoft feature that switches an Internet browser's page to a high contrast, white characters on a black screen. She could read print up until last year and now downloads books into a digital recorder through a free program with the Library of Congress. She goes through two or three of these per week.

She watches DVDs with a special feature that describes a scene aloud as a narrator in a novel might. "I like watching those movies myself," Martin chimes in. She does miss going to the movies, however.

She cooks, she gardens and she researches products that might make her life easier, such as the Cobolt Speechmaster, a device which, when held against fabric such as a shirt or jacket, speaks the color of that item out loud. There are companies, too, working on cell phones with a bar code scanner that will tell the blind all of the information recorded in that code.

But as helpful as these items are and will be, a cure and good care are the true passions of the Hermans. "Anyone who has eyesight problems should be getting creditable, reliable help," Martin says. "We don't want anyone to have false hopes through unsanctioned, unsafe practices."

Until a cure comes along, she relies on her knowledge and familiarity with her condition, as well as her sense of humor and her husband, who attributes their long marriage to her blindness: "In her mind I'm still 35, with a head full of hair and no gray."

Putting the brakes on senior auto accidents

2009-01-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

By KATIE FOUTZ kfoutz@scn1.com

For three years, Cheryl Shook has been trying to persuade her elderly father-in-law to hang up his keys.

Lines on the road were harder to see at night. Getting in and out of the car was more difficult.

Finally, as her father-in-law neared his 97th birthday, he agreed to stop driving.

"He was very defensive at first," said Shook, 65, an administrative assistant for Visiting Angels, a home care service in Glen Ellyn. "If their faculties -- their mind -- is working so well, and his are, they don't want to give up that independence. That's what it really boils down to. 'I want to be able to take care of myself and go get my groceries and my prescriptions.'"

Visiting Angels created a brochure for older individuals or their caregivers about the warning signs for when they should consider giving up driving -- for their own safety and others'. The signs include diminished hearing, vision and reaction time. The brochure also suggests ways to address the driving issue with a loved one.

Shook faced a few challenges while getting her father-in-law off the road. First, he lives in Florida, so she and her husband can't drive him themselves. Also, he has outlived many of his friends, so there are few people in his social life who can pitch in behind the wheel. He does have a younger girlfriend: a 92-year-old woman who lives across the street and does the driving for both of them.

Shook said her father-in-law's eye doctor was helpful in getting through to him.

"His eye doctor told him, 'I'd prefer you don't drive any longer,'" she said. "The doctor would say, 'How did you get here?' 'Oh, I drove. I took the back roads.'"

Her father-in-law took a long road to giving up his keys. He first agreed to give up driving at night. He also started to shorten his trips. After a while, he stopped driving anywhere more than a half-mile from his house. At the end of December, he finally said he would not drive at all anymore.

One Naperville couple in their 80s also has limited their driving -- they drive themselves to visit family in Wisconsin and Ohio, but they now fly to vacation in Florida. They declined to be identified because they didn't want authorities to think they are dangerous drivers.

"There is a fear your ability to drive is slipping a little bit," he said. "When cars are going around you 20 mph faster, you begin to wonder, do I really belong here? You question your own reaction time. If I had to stop in a hurry, would I be able to?"

His wife's two-year driver's license is up for renewal this year. In Illinois, between ages 21 and 80, driver's licenses are issued every four years. If you're a good driver with a clean record, you can renew your license without a retest. Beginning at age 75, you must take a test when you renew consisting of a vision screening, written exam and driving test. Between ages 81 and 86, licenses are good for two years. After that, licenses must be renewed every year.

Driving isn't as fun as it used to be, she said. For one thing, distracted drivers make her nervous. The new I-Pass lanes on the tollways also are confusing -- she once missed three tolls on I-355 before realizing what she had done.

Those concerns are familiar to ophthalmologist Byron Tabbut, president of Wheaton Eye Clinic of Naperville, Wheaton, Plainfield and Hinsdale. He said patients and children of patients have come in with driving on their minds. However, it often takes a failed vision test to signal a problem.

"We see it most commonly in patients who have macular degeneration, glaucoma or cataracts," Tabbut said. "With macular degeneration, you lose the center of vision, like a bull's eye in the target. That obviously affects their driving ability."

He checks three things before recommending a patient stops driving: visual acuity, peripheral field of vision and their ability to respond to traffic conditions. He first points out what can be changed and fixed, such as surgery for cataracts, treatment for macular degeneration or telescopic lenses for low vision.

His offices deal with diminished driving capacity a lot, but that experience doesn't make the discussion easy.

"The ability to drive or losing the ability to drive is a major milestone in any person's life," Tabbut said. "You want to be straightforward but gentle. It's best to bring a family member into the conversation if they'll allow that. Often a family member or loved one who knows that person well can communicate in a truthful yet sensitive way what might be best next step."

Office offers free eye screen for macular degeneration

2009-01-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

By ALLISON RUPP
Star-Tribune staff writer

Dr. Clark Jensen, an optometrist at Jensen Eye Care, will offer free screenings for the leading cause of blindness in the country later this month.

He said he wants to educate the public about macular degeneration, which affects colored and detail vision, because the common disease is "a mystery" to most people.

About 1.8 million people in the United States suffer from advanced macular degeneration, and 7.3 million people suffer from intermediate macular degeneration. Jensen said it is "a big problem, a huge problem" in his Casper practice.

Two months ago, his office purchased a new piece of equipment that allows eye doctors to see deeper into the retina than previous screening tools. A doctor can see not only the damage but also the layer of the retina where damage is occurring.

"It's just awesome cool," Jensen said. "It lets us see the retina in great detail, detail we have not seen before."

The new screening allows the doctor to determine right away if the patient has a problem.

Macular degeneration affects the macula, which is a part of the retina in the back of a person's eye. People with the disease struggle to read mail, watch television or enjoy a book.

"It is very frustrating," Jensen said. "They still have vision, but it is terribly compromised."

Jensen said some forms of the disease are treated successfully while others are resistant to treatment.

Types of treatment vary depending of the type of degeneration but range from taking antioxidant vitamins to eye surgery, he said.

"It's better you know about it and then deal with it rather than hope nothing is wrong," Jensen said. "Ignorance of the problem is not how people should approach their vision and their eyes."

Risk factors for the disease include age, family history, smoking, diabetes and lifetime exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Many people do not know they may have already started developing symptoms or they are at risk, Jensen said.

That's why it is important to visit an eye doctor regularly and not just when a person needs new glasses or contacts, Jensen said.

Healthy people over 40 should see an eye doctor every year, and people under 40 should see an eye doctor every two years.

"I think, 'Ah dang. If I could have seen this person two years ago, five years ago or 10 years ago, I could have helped them,'" Jensen said.

Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.

Screen your eyes

What: A free screening for macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the country. Generally, people do not need to have their eyes dilated for the screening.

Who: People over the age of 50.

When: From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 28.

Where: Jensen Eye Care, 3101 S W Wyoming Blvd.

For more information: Contact Dr. Clark Jensen's office at (307) 265-7008 for information on the screening or the disease and to schedule your screening appointment.

New year honour for Iping man

2009-01-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

Published Date: 08 January 2009

Thirteen years of voluntary service to St Dunstan's has led to the award of the OBE in the New Year honours list to Captain Michael Gordon Lennox.

Capt Gordon Lennox, who retired from the Royal Navy in 1994 and lives at Iping, near Midhurst, served for three years as a trustee of the national charity before becoming its chairman in 1998. He stepped down last November when he reached the age of 70.

"When I became chairman of St Dunstan's trustees," Capt Gordon Lennox said, "we were looking after some 900 war (or on duty) blinded
veterans, mostly from World War II, but with a few in the intervening years. These numbers were dwindling – we had a good level of reserves and something had to be done.

"The 'something' agreed by the trustees is that we would in future look after all ex-service people, regardless of the cause of blindness.

"This triggered a large amount of work, but has been highly successful
and popular with the ex-service community, many of whom suffer from age-related blindness, such as macular degeneration, blindness resulting from other conditions like multiple sclerosis and diabetes, and increasing as people live longer."

He said St Dunstan's now looked after more than 2,500 blind people and had an annual intake of between 600 and 700.

"We also include widows and spouses of those we support, taking the overall total to nearly 4,500 and rising, in addition to the flagship home at Ovingdean (over 40 residents and 110 beds) for rehab training, respite and holidays.

"The numbers increase has led us to opening a weekday centre at Sheffield and a new home at Llandudno which will copy Ovingdean but without permanent residents, and is sadly now on hold for development for a year so we can assess the financial downturn effects."

Capt Gordon Lennox said he was 'passionate' about St Dunstan's work.

The oldest survivor of the first world war, 112-year-old Henry Allingham, is a resident at the charity's home at Brighton.

"We do not have so many war-blinded these days. So far there have been five or six from Iraq and Afghanistan," said Capt Gordon Lennox.

His successor as chairman is Major General Andrew Keeling, former Representative Colonel Commandant in the Royal Marines, who now lives near Rogate.

"I have no intention of breathing down his neck but I shall endeavour to keep in touch with St Dunstan's," the former chairman said.

"It seems strange to get an award for something I enjoyed."

Helping people with vision loss lead fuller lives

2009-01-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

Times & Star

Last updated 19:32, Thursday, 08 January 2009

A COCKERMOUTH man is helping people who are losing their sight to lead fuller lives.
in focus: Edward Bebbington at home in Cockermouth with some of the equipment he has received from the West Cumbria Society for the Blind

Edward Bebbington, 55, of Riverside Terrace, is supporting individuals with macular degeneration. He was diagnosed with the disease five years ago.

Mr Bebbington is a volunteer trainer with the Macular Disease Society and advises fellow sufferers on how to make best use of their remaining sight. He is the only volunteer based in Cumbria.

The condition affects central vision but leaves peripheral vision intact. It can force sufferers to give up their jobs or stop driving.

Mr Bebbington said: “It’s about retraining your brain.

“You have to get away from looking directly, and look away to one side instead.”

The benefits of the training mean that many sufferers are able to remain in their jobs for longer.

Mr Bebbington added: “The first lady I helped was a receptionist in an accountants.

“She would lose the middle of a long number, but she found that the techniques helped in her job and she was able to carry on working.

“It’s nice when I can help people to carry on working for longer and it’s a great sense of achievement.”

At least 500,000 people in the UK are affected by the disease. Anyone who thinks they might have macular degeneration should contact social services to arrange an assessment.

Office offers free eye screen for macular degeneration

2009-01-03T10:44:00.000-08:00

Why You Should Exercise

2009-01-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 2nd, 2009 @ 6:01am

If you're debating about joining a gym, or doing exercises alone, here's 10 reasons why you should at least be moving. Working out isn't just about weight and physical appearance, it's about an overall healthier you, and according to Prevention here's 2 out of 10 reasons why:

See Clearly
What's good for your heart is good for your eyes. An active lifestyle can cut your risk of age-related macular degeneration by up to 70%, according to a British Journal of Ophthalmology study of 4,000 adults. This incurable disease makes reading, driving, and seeing fine details difficult, and it's the most common cause of blindness after age 60. Do this Keep active by walking at least 12 blocks (about a mile) a day, and wear UVA/UVB-blocking sunglasses during outdoor activities all year long.

Feel Sexy at Any Size
A good workout practically ensures a better body image. A Pennsylvania State University study found that women ages 42 to 58 felt more attractive after 4 months of walking or yoga even if they didn't lose weight. Exercise can also put you in the mood for love by increasing blood flow to the genitals. University of Washington research found that just one 20-minute cycling workout enhanced sexual arousal up to 169% in women. And the benefits stand the test of time: A Harvard study of swimmers found that those over age 60 were as satisfied sexually as those decades younger. Do this Try 20 minutes of aerobics before a romantic evening. To feel good naked anytime, walk or do yoga daily.

Elsie Battaglia at 97 is one for the record books

2008-12-27T20:13:00.000-08:00

The King City resident just keeps on truckin' as the years go by

By Barbara Sherman

The Regal Courier, Dec 26, 2008

WAY TO CELEBRATE 97 YEARS — Staff and members at Curves in the Willowbrook Center celebrated Elsie Battaglia's 97th birthday Dec. 12 and surprised her with a cake, balloons and presents along with a crown, which Susan DeMerit places on her head as Curves owner Stacey Stone walks by.

Elsie Battaglia works out three days a week, plays bridge almost every day and won a gold medal at a golf competitionship several years ago.

Not impressed? She just celebrated her 97th birthday Dec. 12.

"I don't feel incredible," Battaglia said, laughing. "Some people think I am because I'm 97 and exercise along with people half my age. I think it's pretty normal."

But Battaglia is not your normal 97-year-old.

"You'd think most people her age would be sedentary, sitting in front of the TV having aches and pains," said Pat Churchill, Battaglia's friend who drives her to Curves three days a week to exercise. "But not Elsie. She never seems to be down."

Battaglia has been working out at Curves for the last five years. She says she doesn't take any medication and is as healthy as she is happy.

"Why am I not sitting in a chair knitting?" Battaglia asked. "I'm afraid I'll atrophy if I don't keep moving. I've always been active and feel it's important.

"If you don't use it, you'll lose it."

Battaglia lives by her motto every day, even after she started developing macular degeneration three years ago.

"First I had to give up golf, which I started up when I was 70 and was pretty good at," she said.

"Pretty good" is her modest way of saying she's won awards for her game, including a gold medal at a senior ladies’ golf tournament in Palm Springs, Calif.

Still, Battaglia wasn't one to let a little macular degeneration get in her way.

When she lost her ability to drive, she called American Red Cross and set up a schedule to be driven three days a week to Curves so she could continue to work out.

"The first morning I got out of the Red Cross van, these two beautiful ladies said, 'What are you doing?' I said I needed a ride. And they said, forget that, they'd drive me."

Those two beautiful women were Churchill and Betty Jo Shore, two friends Battaglia now exercises with. They are her eyes on the road and perhaps helping hands every now and then.

"When Elsie's at home, she uses a walker for support, but when she walks into Curves, she'll grab your arm and walk through that front door," Churchill said. "If you saw her, you'd say she wasn't any younger than mid-80s."

And that's not just her face. According to Churchill, Battagalia has fashion sense even when she's sweating on the treadmill.

"She's always dressed up. She'll have on stylish capri pants, a nice knit shirt and jewelry. She doesn't dress like a little old lady - she sparkles," Churchill said.

On Dec. 12 staff and clients at Curves held a surprise birthday party for Battaglia.

"I was kind of pooped from celebrating the night before with my family, but they (Churchill and Battaglia's roommate) practically shanghaied me and pushed me out the door of my house," she said. "When I walked into curves, there must have been 30 to 40 people there wishing me a happy birthday. It was just overwhelming."

But, says Churchill, even a surprise party wasn't enough to thank Battaglia for all she's done.

"She really is a role model," Churchill said. "When other women at Curves feel down, they can think about Elsie and say, 'When I'm 97, I hope I can be as active as her.'

"Her positive attitude and smile are what make her young. You know how some people draw you in and you always want to talk to them? That's Elsie."

Battaglia said the next birthday she's looking forward to is her 100th, when her school sorority is holding its convention in Palm Springs, close enough for her to attend.

"I'm planning on being there," she said.

In the meantime she'll be working off all the birthday cake at Curves.

AMD/ Low Vision Awareness Month 01 Feb - 01 Mar 2009

2008-12-16T09:37:00.001-08:00

Cases of age-related macular degeneration are expected to grow to 3 million in the next 15 years - this campaign addresses an issue that is still not widely known.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is still not a commonly known affliction, yet approximately 1.65 million Americans age 50 and older have the disease, according to the Vision Problems in the U.S. report, published by Prevent Blindness America. And according to The Archives of Ophthalmology, these numbers are expected to grow to 2.95 million cases by the year 2020, due to the rapidly aging population.

AMD robs people of their central vision and often, the ability to read a book, recognize a face, see fine details, and distinguish some colors. There are two forms of AMD: "dry" and "wet". Dry AMD is the most common form of the disease. It involves the presence of drusen - fatty deposits that form under the light-sensing cells in the retina. Vision loss in dry AMD usually progresses slowly. Wet AMD is less common, but more rapidly threatening to vision. Wet AMD causes tiny blood vessels under the retina to leak or break open. This distorts vision and causes scar tissue to form. Laser therapies can be effective in controlling the advances of wet AMD, but are ineffective in treating dry AMD.

Although there is no known cure for AMD, research continues for the disease, including promising new drug therapies designed to slow the effects of AMD. Diets rich in certain antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin can help protect the eyes against AMD and a study by the National Eye Institute suggests that pharmacological-level doses of zinc, vitamins C and E, and beta carotene may help slow the progression of AMD. The benefits of the nutrients were seen only in people who were at high risk of developing advanced AMD, those with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes, and those with advanced AMD in one eye only. Vision rehabilitation by a low vision specialist can help persons with AMD to make the best use of their remaining vision.

The exact cause of AMD is unknown, but risk factors for the disease include age, race (Caucasians are more susceptible), smoking and those with cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Patients with a family history of the disease are also at high-risk. Those who are at high risk of AMD require periodic, dilated eye exams.

"Advances in AMD research have been profound over recent years," said Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president for Prevent Blindness America. "But, until we can find a cure, the best way we can fight the disease is through early detection and treatment."

Garrett suggests regular eye exams through an eye care professional as well as the utilization of free tools and information provided by Prevent Blindness America through its Web site and toll free number, 1-800-331-2020.

"We've designed specific programs to educate the public on the seriousness of AMD and to give people the tools they can use in order to fight it," added Garrett. The Web site offers a user-friendly AMD test, along with other useful information, that can help visitors determine if they are at-risk."

The following are some signs of AMD:

Straight lines such as telephone poles, the sides of buildings or streetlight poles, look wavy.

Written text and/or type can appear blurry.

A dark or empty spot may block the center of your vision. If you notice any of these changes, schedule a dilated eye exam as soon as possible..

About Prevent Blindness America

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, it's committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For free information or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020.

FDA Grants NeoVista's Request to Utilize Novel Wet AMD Treatment in Compassionate Case

2008-12-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

FREMONT, Calif., Dec 10, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- NeoVista's Epiretinal Brachytherapy Granted Compassionate Use to Attempt to Prevent Complete Vision Loss in Patient

NeoVista, Inc., announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the company's "compassionate case" waiver to utilize its novel wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatment on a patient with an advanced form of the disease who did not meet criteria for inclusion into current NeoVista investigational treatment protocols. The patient received NeoVista's therapy today in Nashville, Tenn.; the procedure was performed by Dr. Carl Awh, President of Tennessee Retina, and an investigator in NeoVista's ongoing Phase III study, CABERNET (CNV Secondary to AMD Treated with BEta RadiatioN Epiretinal Therapy).

The patient suffered from advanced wet AMD in both eyes and had not benefited from any available treatment, including antiAvascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, the current standard of care for wet AMD. The patient's left eye had progressively worsened despite treatment with photodynamic therapy and intravitreal steroids prior to the advent of anti-VEFG therapy, as well as later injections of anti-VEGF agents. Her right eye was following a parallel course, with advanced vision loss due to an enlarging exudative retinal detachment caused by wet AMD. Because of the similarity in the appearance of the two eyes and the failure of prior therapies to successfully treat the left eye, a decision was made to treat the patient's right eye with NeoVista's therapy.

"With the FDA granting a waiver for this case, today both my patient and I had access to a promising, new therapy for the treatment of her case of severe wet AMD," said Dr. Awh. "If this approach proves effective in her case, other patients with similar types of advanced, progressive wet AMD may also benefit under compassionate use waivers from the FDA."

NeoVista's novel therapy applies a targeted dose of beta radiation to the abnormal leaking blood vessels that affect central vision in patients with wet AMD. Preliminary data show that NeoVista's targeted radiation therapy can be safe for both the patient and the physician, and may be able to improve patient's vision. The current standard of care for wet AMD requires monthly injections of anti-VEGF drugs into the eye for an indefinite period of time.

In contrast to other forms of radiation therapy for wet AMD, NeoVista's approach delivers the peak dose of energy directly to the lesion without damaging the normal retinal vasculature. Utilizing strontium 90, the focused energy is delivered to a target area up to 3 mm in depth and up to 5.4 mm in diameter. Importantly for patients, the systemic exposure to radiation is minimal, as the effective dose to the entire body from NeoVista's epiretinal device is less than that from a typical chest x-ray.

"We're extremely pleased that the FDA has granted us a compassionate use waiver in this circumstance," said John N. Hendrick, President and CEO of NeoVista. "Even though this patient has not benefited from currently approved therapies, our hope is that she will benefit from our treatment as a final effort to avoid complete loss of vision."

The purpose of the compassionate use waiver is to offer a limited number of patients with serious conditions and no other alternatives the opportunity to potentially benefit from an investigational treatment that has not yet been approved for use by the FDA. While receiving the compassionate use approval for this patient, NeoVista continues to enroll patients in the company's pivotal trial, CABERNET.

CABERNET is a multicenter, randomized, controlled study that will enroll 450 subjects at 45 sites worldwide, evaluating the safety and efficacy of NeoVista's epiretinal brachytherapy delivered concomitantly with the FDA-approved anti-VEGF therapy Lucentis(R) (ranibizumab) versus Lucentis alone.

About NeoVista, Inc.

NeoVista, Inc. is a privately held development-stage medical device company based in Fremont, California. NeoVista's epiretinal beta radiation therapy is currently being studied in a definitive Phase III clinical study to support eventual filing for regulatory approval to market the product in the United States. For more information about the company, the clinical trial or this novel wet AMD therapy, please visit the company's Web site at www.neovistainc.com. For detailed information about the CABERNET clinical trial, please visit the study Web site at www.cabernetstudy.com.

Contact: Tony Moses
O: 510.933.7600
C: 510.402.3394
tmoses@neovistainc.com

Clinic to offer eye screenings

2008-12-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

MOSINEE,WISCONSIN -- Marshfield Clinic Mosinee Center will offer free screenings Dec. 16 for a pair of conditions that, if left untreated, can rob people of their sight.

Diabetic retinopathy can damage the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye that receives images from the lensand sends them to the brain through the optic nerve. Macular degeneration is an age-related problem that affects the retina.

The clinic's TeleHealth program will offer free screenings from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at its center at 390 Orbiting Drive, Mosinee.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 715-693-9100.

Vision Van

2008-12-07T09:41:00.000-08:00

15 December 2008

The Vision Van will be at The Hellenic Club on Monday 15 December 2008 from 9am to 4.30pm.

Local residents who are aged 50+ will have free access to a professionally qualified optometrist who will be in the Vision Van at Woden conducting free Age-Related Macular Degeneration screenings.

Book now by phoning 1800 176 255

When: 15/12/2008 - 15/12/2008, 0900 - 1630

Venue: Hellenic Club, Matilda Street

Email Vision Van: Send Vision Van to a Friend Send Vision Van via email

Your Calendar: Add To Outlook Calendar (Hold Ctrl to add the event)

Facebook: Share on Facebook

Reference-id: EVENT04906.488

Note: Event information posted on Canberra Online is provided by 3rd Parties and has not been independently verified. We recommend confirming with the Venue or the Organiser before making any plans to attend Vision Van.

Navigator devices donated

2008-11-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

11/11/2008 9:36:00 AM

Cooma Lions Club have sponsored six additional Navigator devices to the value of $600 to ensure members of the community with Macular Degeneration have access to audio books.
Last Thursday Lions Club president Chris Reeks presented the Australian made devices to Cooma-Monaro Shire's library committee members, mayor Vin Good, Cr Tony Kaltoum, library manager Lyn Goucher and librarian Michelle McDonald.

In September 2007 the Monaro Regional Library and Information Service joined forces with the Macular Degeneration Foundation to provide Navigator devices to people with Macular Degeneration.

The Navigator is an easy to use, hand held portable device, which uses new audio technology to read books aloud.

The Library Service launched the project with five Navigator devices. The success of this project was overwhelming and the library applied to the MD Foundation for a further five devices in February 2008. With more and more residents applying for this service, Cooma Library approached the Cooma Lions Club for sponsorship of an additional six Navigator devices.

If you have been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration and are having difficulty reading, then you are eligible to submit an expression of interest form to the Macular Degeneration Foundation. Forms are available from the Cooma Library.

Rows of walkers strode behind runners sprinting on a narrow concrete path at Comanche Lookout Park on Saturday.

2008-11-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

Bonnie Truax and Janice Wolfe led the walkers along the two-mile course, cutting through thick trees and brush at the 16000 block of Nacogdoches Road. Some walkers tapped white canes along the trail. Some linked arms with family members.

Truax supported herself using a white cane with a hard plastic balled-tip. Wolfe, 85, leaned on a pink umbrella as the path rose on one of the highest points in the city.

The women and 148 other participants came out to support the second White Cane Safety Day 5K Fun Run and Walk, which raises awareness about people who are visually impaired. The white cane is a symbol of blindness, and people who use it legally have the right of way when crossing streets and roadways.

“This is important, it's a chance to see what people who are visually impaired can achieve,” Wolfe said. “The disability act has made improvements and allowed accessibility for people from all phases of life to get around in society and live independently.”

Wolfe reads newspaper stories on Owl Radio as a volunteer. Truax created the station in 2002 after she was diagnosed with macular degeneration.

Truax also is founder and president of the San Antonio Low Vision club, a fun run sponsors. Texas Public Radio and the Express-News co-sponsor Owl Radio broadcasts, which go out 24 hours a day to listeners in San Antonio and the Hill Country.

Many listeners know that Wolfe reads world event stories at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday and prerecords art and entertainment briefs broadcast on Saturdays. But they may not know she is legally blind.

Wolfe has macular degeneration in both eyes. She has 20/400 vision in her right eye caused by a black circle that blots out the world except for periphery sight.

Her left eye is 20/40 and holding steady. She uses a strong powered light to read text and doesn't miss a line.

She was drawn to the service by her late husband's commitment to the Lion's Club and its mission to help the visually impaired.

“People are really listening,” Truax said. “It means so much to them and they depend on it.”
Truax said many visually impaired people tend to stay home, and Owl Radio has encouraged many listeners to get out more.

Wolfe's readings also take listeners near and far. They transport them to the opera to hear Bizet's “Carmen.” They spirit them to the Louvre Museum in Paris. And sometimes they guide them to the latest exhibit at the Witte Museum. And the vehicle for each artistic trip is Wolfe's voice.

Charities hold blind gardening awards

2008-11-22T18:24:00.000-08:00

14 November 2008

Two charities have awarded an 82-year-old woman with a prize for Blind Gardener of the Year at a ceremony in London.

Jean Harrington, who was diagnosed with macular degeneration seven years ago, was rewarded for her interest in vegetable growing, recycling and composting.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Thrive organised the competition for anyone who is blind or partially sighted.

Jean said if she hears about a good idea she often tries it out - such as using copper strips around her plant pots to keep the slugs away.

"My advice is if something does not work out, it might be nature's fault, not yours - and by trying again, you will probably succeed," she added.

The charities also rewarded Elliott Roberts in the under 18s category for his independence and individuality.

Blind and partially sighted people will have access to better skills and expertise when the RNIB and Action for Blind People combine next year.

Study Shows Lutein and Zeaxanthin Protect Against Age-Related Macular Degeneration

2008-11-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 21, 2008

by David Gutierrez

(NaturalNews) Researchers from Ohio State University may have discovered a mechanism by which proteins known as xanthophylls help prevent against age-related vision loss, they reported in a study published in the Journal of Lipid Research.

"Our research to understand this mechanism might provide a greater appreciation for how one could intervene to possibly slow macular degeneration," said senior study author Earl Harrison.

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of age-related vision loss and affects approximately 10 million people in the United States. The deterioration of the macula, a tissue located in the center of the retina, causes vision in the center of the eye to blur, which lead to functional blindness. The condition cannot be reversed once it develops; it can only be slowed.

Prior research has suggested that the xanthophyll proteins lutein and zeaxanthin may protect against the eight-related macular degeneration by filtering out potentially harmful light from the blue end of the spectrum and also protecting the eye against damage from oxidation. The two proteins have been observed to concentrate in the macula, forming a yellow spot.

In the current study, researchers tested the hypothesis that the xanthophylls are transported to the macula by proteins known as scavenger receptor class B, type 1 (SR-B1). They treated pigment cells from the lining of the human retina with lutein, zeaxanthin and the related compounds beta-carotene, finding that the cells absorbed more xanthophylls than they did beta-carotene.

The researchers then blocked the action of SR-B1 by one of two methods. Both of the methods led to a decrease in xanthophyll of distortion of 41 to 87 percent.

Lutein and zeaxanthin cannot be synthesized by the body, but must be consumed in foods such as green, leafy vegetables, peas, summer squash, or yellow and orange fruits and vegetables (including carrots, papaya and peaches).