SupportSight Austin, Texas

Austin Retina Associates

Next Seminar: October 18, 2008

Previous Seminars:

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Previous Seminars:

October 27, 2007
On October 27, the Austin Retina Associates teamed up with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) to provide Austin area residents with information about macular degeneration. Held at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, this free, public seminar was targeted towards people with macular degeneration, as well as their families and friends. The enthusiastic crowd indicated that this large population was eager for information.

James W. Dooner, M.D. was on hand to discuss the latest in research and treatment options for macular degeneration. The audience was fully engaged, asking informed and thoughtful questions. Doing his best David Letterman impression, Mark Levitan, M.D. presented "Answers to the Top 10 Questions about Macular Degeneration." Levitan went through the list, covering some of the basics and the questions that most often arise about the disease.

Kelly Teese, COT took the stage to present "Answers to the Top Questions about What Low Vision Services Can Do for People with Macular Degeneration." Levitan returned to the stage and joined Teese for an informative and lively audience Q&A session.

Also on hand was Mary Betty Roeder to talk about how to live well with macular degeneration. She opened up with the audience, sharing her own experiences with macular degeneration, how it has affected her life and how she has learned to cope and thrive with it.

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November 18, 2006
On November 18, 2006, Austin Retina Associates and the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) teamed up to present a seminar on age related macular degeneration. Free and open to the public, the seminar, part of a well-attended series, focused on the genetic links to macular degeneration.

The program was introduced by Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of MVRF, which is based in West Conshohocken, outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ms. Bramnick explained that the mission of MVRF is to fund research into the cause, prevention, treatment, and ultimately the cure for macular degeneration is aided by the fact that one hundred percent of all dollars raised go toward this goal, as the organization is entirely underwritten for all administrative expenses.

After Ms. Bramnick, Dr. C. Armitage Harper talked about the newest research and treatments for macular degeneration. Then Dr. Jack W. Pierce addressed the possibility of a hereditary link to this disease, which was of particular interest to the audience.

People with advanced macular degeneration often have to be accompanied by a helper when they travel, because they are unable to drive when their vision is severely impaired. Often, these companions are their adult children, and both the patient and the caregiver are keenly interested in the genetic links and the possibilities for prevention.

Dr. Pierce addressed this concern for family members, and talked about the need to share tips for prevention with children and grandchildren. He said that people have to know how to protect their eyes from all types of harm, and that everyone should always wear sunglasses and hats with wide brims. He also said that healthy eating habits and not smoking can contribute to the prevention of macular degeneration.

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November 5, 2005
On Saturday, November 5, crowds gathered at the J. J. Pickle Research Campus for a presentation on Nutrition and Macular Degeneration, sponsored by Austin Retina Associates and the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF).

The first speaker, Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of MVRF, talked about the mission of the organization, which is to raise funds for research and to provide support services to people who suffer from macular degeneration. Ms. Bramnick explained that 100 percent of all administrative costs of the foundation are underwritten, enabling them to donate every single cent raised to research and support.

Dr. Jack W. Pierce provided an overview of the latest treatment and research on macular degeneration. Dr. C. Armitage Harper gave a very interesting talk on how diet and nutrition may affect macular degeneration.

Mary Betty Roeder, a speaker for MVRF, discussed how her own life has been altered by macular degeneration, and how important support groups have been for her. Ms. Roeder is funny and fearless, and her positive outlook on life, and macular degeneration, is infectious. As the program concluded after her talk, the audience was laughing, smiling and clearly feeling life can be good, even if one has macular degeneration.

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Fourth Seminar in Series Draws Large Crowds

November 6, 2004
The fourth seminar in a series of free events for people suffering from macular degeneration was held in Austin at the J.J. Pickle Center on November 6. More than 130 people attended this MVRF SupportSight meeting, sponsored locally by Austin Retina Associates in cooperation with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF), a national organization headquartered just outside of Philadelphia. MVRF has started similar SupportSight chapters in 17 major cities across the country, and in each market, just as in Austin, seniors and their families are anxiously attending to learn what they can about coping with this disease.

Dr. Coleman Driver Jr., started the session by updating the eager crowd on the history of macular degeneration treatments and the newest innovations in research and treatment.

Next the group was treated to a lively presentation by Mary Betty Roeder, a patient who has long suffered from macular degeneration. Ms. Roeder’s positive outlook and amazing resiliency was evident in the way she discussed her methods for coping with her disease, sharing many tips that will make a big difference in the lives of the people who came to hear her speak.

Lea S. Bramnick, executive director of the Macula Vision Research Foundation spoke about the work the foundation is doing to raise money to fund research into further prevention, treatment, and ultimately, a cure.

Finally, Kelly Teese, a caregiver for a patient with macular degeneration, offered a compassionate talk about how to provide assistance in order to help someone maintain and maximize their independence and dignity, explaining that offering too much help in a way that is not welcomed can be actually be damaging, and may unwittingly strip away any remaining independence. Ms. Teese gave the audience a list of positive and pro-active ways to live with macular degeneration.

The Macula Vision Research Foundation’s mission is to find the cause, prevention, treatment and cure for macula vision diseases with the goal of saving sight and providing public education about the condition. One hundred percent of every dollar raised goes directly to the funding of research, as all of the administrative costs of the organization are underwritten. The organization can be reached, toll-free, at 1-866-4-macula. (866-462-2852.)

The Macula Vision Research Foundation Support Group’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of the ever-growing population who are affected by or concerned with macular degeneration through public education. The 866-4-macula hotline will respond to the needs of patients, their families and loved ones, through question and answer sessions following all public education programs and providing printed and taped literature.

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Free Seminar for Visually Impaired Seniors Attracts Large Crowd

August 9, 2003
Austin Retina Associates partnered with the Macula Vision Research Foundation to present an information seminar for Austin area seniors coping with macular degeneration. The meeting was widely attended, drawing more than 250 people to the J. J. Pickle Center. The seminar featured speakers from local support organizations that provide services for visually impaired people in the Austin area.

Macular Degeneration
Age related macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness and visual impairment in American adults over 65, and nearly 15 million people are affected. Surprisingly, however, according to a recent survey commissioned by AMD Alliance International, 58 percent of people in the United States were not at all familiar with the disease.

Macular degeneration causes deterioration of the macula, resulting in a loss of sharp, central vision. An impaired macula prevents a person from clearly seeing objects straight ahead, such as words on a page; television or the faces of loved ones. At its worst, sufferers of macular degeneration have only very limited peripheral vision.

Receiving the Diagnosis
When people receive this diagnosis, they are often frightened and confused, they usually do not know anything about macular degeneration and many do not know anyone who has the disease. It is very important to become knowledgeable about support services so that people can remain independent and continue to do things for themselves.

Support Groups
Support groups like SupportSight Austin provide people with an outlet to share concerns and learn coping techniques from others who have found ways to solve some problems. Dr. James Dooner along with his partners at Austin Retina Associates, Drs. Driver, Pierce, Harper, Martinez, McCrary, Kuhl and Levitan, are very pleased to be able to refer their patients to SupportSight seminars, knowing that the discussions and shared experiences that they have with other patients are invaluable.

Speakers at the Meeting
Dr. Dooner discussed clinical trials for macular degeneration. Kathi Young, CCRC Low Vision Coordinator discussed low vision services and adaptive aids. Ron Lucey, Medical Services Specialist, discussed living with low vision, and Shannon Nay, Vocational Rehabilitation Teacher discussed resources available in the Austin area for people with low vision.

The Macula Vision Research Foundation
The Macula Vision Research Foundation gives 100 percent of every dollar raised to research and public education programs, as the administrative costs of the Foundation are underwritten. It has been estimated that with seven adults turning 50 every minute, macular degeneration may become the disease of the 21st Century — by 2025 more than 23 million adults are expected to be diagnosed. Although there is no known cure, recent progress in research provides great hope for future discoveries of the cause, prevention, treatment and ultimately the cure for macular degeneration.

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First SupportSight of Austin Meeting

March 8, 2003
Austin Retina Associates and the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) held the first FREE SupportSight meeting in Austin on Saturday, March 8, 2003 at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus. MVRF SupportSight is the first-ever national series of support group seminars for people suffering with macular degeneration and their families. Over 300 people attended the SupportSight seminar.

Program
Jack W. Pierce, M.D., of Austin Retina Associates discussed:

C. Armitage Harper, III, M.D. of Austin Retina Associates discussed:

Mary Betty Roeder, an 81 year-old legally blind macular degeneration patient from West Chester, Pennsylvania discussed:

Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director, Macula Vision Research Foundation discussed the Foundation and its history and commitment to research and support for those with macular degeneration.

A lively and informative question and answer session followed each speaker’s presentation.

Age-related Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in American adults over 60, but the nearly 15 million people affected are often reluctant to discuss their condition or ask for help. There is a great need to raise awareness about macular degeneration - to bring this condition to the public eye.

Support Group Research
Healthcare research has shown that support groups can be very helpful to people who suffer from diseases such as macular degeneration. “Each time I diagnose patients with macular degeneration, I find myself wishing I could refer them to a support group so they won’t feel so isolated,” said Jack W. Pierce, M.D., of Austin Retina Associates. “SupportSight is a wonderful program, and I am hoping it will help my patients meet others with the disease so they can share solutions and coping techniques, and hopefully help them feel more confident with their situation.”

“There is a critical need for education and information among patients with macular degeneration and their families,” said Armitage Harper, III, M.D.

Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration causes deterioration of the macula, resulting in the loss of sharp central vision. An impaired macula prevents a person from clearly seeing objects straight ahead, such as words on a page, television, or the faces of loved ones. At its worst, sufferers of macular degeneration have only limited peripheral vision.

An 89-year-old patient of Austin Retina Associates was diagnosed ten years ago. He cannot read or drive, and his computer is outfitted with a voice reader so he can check his email. He relies heavily on his wife, and she, too was recently diagnosed with the disease in one eye. “I think the disease should be publicized,” he said. “I think the support group will be helpful as there is great benefit in sharing little pointers for coping with other people facing the same fate.”

Macula Vision Research Foundation
The Macula Vision Research Foundation gives 100 percent of every dollar raised to research and public education programs, as the administrative costs of the Foundation are underwritten. It has been estimated that with seven adults turning 50 every minute, macular degeneration may become the disease of the 21st century — by 2025, more than 23 million adults are expected to be diagnosed. Although there is no known cure, recent progress in research provides great hope for future discoveries into the cause, prevention, treatment, and ultimately the cure for macular degeneration.

“I was shocked at how little people knew about this issue, which is becoming an epidemic with the growth of the aging population,” said Herbert Lotman, Founder, Macula Vision Research Foundation. “This organization was founded to find the cure for this disease and to save the sight of the millions affected. This can and will be done, but only through fundraising support for critical research, some of which is discussed at these seminars. We are also aware of the great need for support for patients with macular degeneration and their families.”

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Contact

Would you like to volunteer?
Do you need more information?

SupportSight

Macula Vision Research Foundation SupportSight
Five Tower Bridge
300 Barr Harbor Drive, Suite 600
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2984

Please call Lea Bramnick
Toll free 1-866-462-2852
1-866-4-macula
Email: lea@mvrf.org
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