SupportSight Pheonix, Arizona

Next Seminar: February 28, 2009

Previous Seminars:

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Previous Seminars:

March 1, 2008
On March 1, 2008, the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) and Retina Consultants of Arizona, LTD joined forces to present a Low Vision Fair. This event, which was free and open to the public, was a venue to showcase all types of products and services for the visually impaired living in the Phoenix area. The Low Vision Fair was held at the Glendale Adult Center.

The Low Vision Fair presented not only those afflicted with macular degeneration, but also their families and friends, an opportunity to check out some of the very latest products that are available to assist those with macular degeneration and other vision impairments in leading full, complete and convenient lifestyles.

Attendees were able to see demonstrations for many products, and more importantly, got to try some of the products hands-on. They were also afforded the opportunity to speak with vendors about the new products and features available.

Vendors present at the Low Vision Fair included makers of CCTVs, Nuvision glasses, Jordy, new computer products for low-vision users, magnifiers and a host of other gadgets and aids.

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February 10, 2007
A crowd gathered on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at the AMC Deer Valley movie theater, for a free informational seminar presented by Retinal Consultants of Arizona in partnership with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF).

The group was welcomed by Lea S. Bramnick, who introduced the speakers and talked about the mission of MVRF, an organization headquartered near Philadelphia, whose singular mission is to raise money for research towards finding the cure, prevention, treatment and a cure for macular degeneration. MVRF is unique in that all of the money raised goes directly towards research projects, as all of the administrative costs are underwritten separately.

Dr. Derek Y. Kunimoto then addressed the group to talk about the newest research and treatments. His presentation included overviews of exciting new research projects that have resulted in remarkable new treatments, some of which are already being used today.

Dr. Kevin Huff talked about the important role that family and friends play in helping a person maintain their independence when living with macular degeneration. He stressed the need for change and adaptability, as people learn to cope with their diagnosis.

Mary Betty Roeder, MVRF spokesperson, concluded the program with an uplifting talk about her own experiences living with macular degeneration.

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Seminar on Macular Degeneration Draws Large Crowds

February 4, 2006
On February 4, 2006, a crowd of close to 300 people assembled for a presentation on macular degeneration, sponsored by Retinal Consultants of Arizona and the Macula Vision Research Foundation.

Dr. P. Kumar Rao started the program with a discussion of the latest treatments and research for macular degeneration, followed by a presentation by Dr. Lynne Noon, who talked about the importance of recognizing depression and how to rise above it when faced with a diagnosis of macular degeneration.

Dr. Monte DuVal talked about how he lives successfully with his own macular degeneration, providing the audience with practical hints and tips that he uses to maximize his limited sight, maintain his independence and a positive outlook.

The final speaker on the agenda was Lea Bramnick, Executive Director of the Macula Vision Research Foundation. Ms. Bramnick provided background on how the organization got started, and shared its mission to provide support and services, as well as raise awareness and funds for research.

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January 15, 2005
A large crowd gathered to hear about macular degeneration at the second seminar in a free series sponsored by the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) and Retinal Consultants of Arizona. More than 200 attended the informative presentation, which was held on January 15 at AMC Deer Valley.

The first speaker to address the group was Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of MVRF, which is headquartered outside of Philadelphia. Lea updated the audience on the amazing progress of the organization, specifically, the SupportSight program, which is thriving in nearly 20 cities throughout the country. Lea addressed the fact that MVRF is a foundation that raises money to fund research in order to learn the cause, prevention, treatment and, ultimately, the cure for macular degeneration.

Dr. P. Kumar Rao, Retinal Consultants of Arizona, gave an update on clinical trials, and explained that the actual number of trials has been increasing, due to recent research developments. He addressed the various treatment options that exist and talked about others that are currently being investigated, filling the room with a sense of hope and excitement.

Dr. Doug Hassenpflug from Enhanced Vision Consultants gave a very helpful overview of the low vision services and training opportunities available in the Phoenix region. He addressed transportation, shopping, and even provided phone numbers for the grocery stores where home delivery is available. Dr. Hassenpflug also offered tips about managing personal finances with low vision, such as large print checks and possible tax credits for eligible patients. Both patients and caregivers were very interested in his informative presentation.

Mary Betty Roeder addressed her peers in the audience to discuss her personal experience with the disease, and her optimism was infectious. A second patient, Michael Mulroy, left the group with a very inspirational message by encouraging them to think differently about their own lives.

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Large Crowds Gather for Free Seminar on Age-Related Macular Degeneration

March 6, 2004
More than 450 Phoenix area residents turned out for a free seminar on coping with macular degeneration, held on March 6. The seminar was sponsored by Retinal Consultants of Arizona, Ltd, in partnership with The Macula Vision Research Foundation.

Speakers at the meeting included Dr. Jack O. Sipperley, who discussed the disease, Dr. Pravin U. Dugel, who talked about available treatments, and Dr. Doug Hassenpflug, who talked about low vision aids available for people who suffer from macular degenearion. Drs. Sipperley and Dugel are in practice with Retinal Consultants of Arizona, and Dr. Hassenpflug is with Advanced Perspectives in Healthcare. Dr. Dugel also provided an update of vitamin therapy research for treatment of the disease. Two other speakers included Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of the Macula Vision Research Foundation, located in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, and Mary Betty Roeder, a motivational speaker who discussed her personal experience coping with macular degeneration. Her talk was particularly inspiring, demonstrating that it is possible to live a full life with macular degeneration.

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.

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.

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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