SupportSight Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Retina Vitreous Consultants

Next Seminar: To be determined

Previous Seminars:

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Previous Seminars:

May 10, 2008
On May 10, 2008, the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) teamed up with Retina Vitreous Consultants, Inc. to give a seminar on macular degeneration, created to disseminate the latest information on the disease, present strategies for coping and field questions from Pittsburgh-area residents. The seminar, which was both free and open to the public, was held at the Waterworks Cinemas at the Waterworks Mall.

Dr. Pamela Rath was on hand to give a presentation about the latest research and treatment strategies for macular degeneration. Dr. Rath informed the attentive and lively audience about the most recent research studies and emerging information about treatments and diagnosis for macular degeneration. Dr. Rath closed her session by turning it over to the eager audience for questions about his presentation and anything else they wanted to know.

The seminar continued with a presentation from MVRF Executive Director Lea Bramnick about the history and mission of the organization. Bramnick emphasized the importance of organizations such as the MVRF in disseminating the latest information, helping those affected by the disease lead their fullest possible lives and in raising funds to find a cure.

Barbara Graham, MEd, CRC, CDMS from the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh was also present to give a presentation focused on the roles and relationships that friends and family play to those with macular degeneration. Graham noted that no one should underestimate the critical role that friends and family can play in supporting a loved one through macular degeneration. Graham also pointed out that the disease has the potential to alter relationships; she provided suggestions on how to cope with the emotional stress that often accompanies a macular degeneration diagnosis.

Also on hand was Mary Betty Roeder, who presented a fantastic talk about her first-hand account of living with macular degeneration and how to not only live, but live well with the disease. Equal parts information and inspiration, Mary's talk was well received by the appreciative audience.

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May 12, 2007
A free low vision fair was held on May 12, sponsored by Retina Vitreous Consultants in partnership with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF). Attendees were encouraged to view demonstrations of products and services designed to help people with low vision. Hands-on trials helped many decide what options to pursue further.

Patients were able to try nuvision glasses, magnifiers, and all sorts of gadgets and aids. The fair was well-attended, and people noted how useful it was to be able to handle the items, and really use them before making decisions about what might be the most helpful to them. The Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh participated in this important presentation.

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May 6, 2006
A crowd of more than 100 people gathered at the Waterworks Cinemas on Saturday, May 6, but there weren't there to attend a movie. Instead, the group assembled eagerly to listen to speakers discuss macular degeneration; the diagnosis and the depression that frequently accompanies it, and how to overcome it.

Presented by the Macula Vision Research Foundation in partnership with Retina Vitreous Consultants, Inc., the free seminar featured Dr. Lars Friedberg and Dr. Karl Olsen, who discussed the newest research and treatments for macular degeneration. An overview of MVRF, its mission and goals, was provided by Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of the Philadelphia based foundation.

Following Drs. Friedberg and Olsen, Brad Tedrow, M.S., a rehabilitation counselor for Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, addressed the very real concerns of depression that often are present for a person who receives a diagnosis of macular degeneration. Although this condition is permanent, progressive and can be a devastating realization for a patient, the sadness can be overcome and full satisfying lives can be enjoyed.

Mary Betty Roeder, a dynamic and entertaining octogenarian who herself lives with macular degeneration, then wowed the crowd with her upbeat talk about how she maintains her independence as her vision continues to diminish. She provided an amazing example of how to live successfully with macular degeneration, and was an appropriate end to a program on how to rise above depression.

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July 30, 2005
Waterworks Cinemas in Pittsburgh was the site for a lively and informative seminar on macular degeneration on Saturday morning, July 30. More than 200 people gathered to hear about services for visually impaired people. Many in the crowd suffered from low vision, and others attended out of love and concern for their family members and friends. The event was sponsored by the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) in partnership with Retina Vitreous Consultants of Pittsburgh.

The first speaker, Lars Freisberg, M.D., of Retina Vitreous Consultants, discussed the newest research and clinical trials underway for the treatment of macular degeneration. Many in the audience were potential candidates for trials, and Dr. Freisberg's talk was of great interest.

Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of MVRF, spoke next. Ms. Bramnick provided an overview and background on the Foundation, which is headquartered near Philadelphia. MVRF is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to help find a cure for macular degeneration. The group has partnered with private practices similar to Retina Vitreous Consultants in nearly 20 cities to put on free programs such as the one on July 30. All funds raised by the organization go directly into research, as one hundred percent of the administrative costs of the foundation are underwritten.

After Ms. Bramnick, Ken Wojtczak, Coordinator of the Low Vision Clinic at the Blind and Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, addressed the group. Mr. Wojtczak provided information about the various services and items available to help people with low vision in the Pittsburgh community.

Later, Deborah Mendenhall, Public Education Coordinator for Blind and Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh spoke about the rehabilitative services available, and also addressed adaptive techniques and equipment for living independently.

The last speaker, Mary Betty Roeder, is herself a patient with macular degeneration. Mary Betty has been legally blind for nearly ten years, but she never let her inability to see prevent her from doing everything she wanted, short of driving. She was frank when talking about her disease, and the audience appreciated her honesty. She talked of the inconveniences of travel, the time-consuming things that take sighted people no time, but she talked about everything with optimism. Her speech was full of humor and inspiration, and the session ended with a lively question and answer period.

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Nearly 250 People Attended Free Seminar on Macular Degeneration

May 1, 2004
Retina Vitreous Consultants coordinated with the Macula Vision Research Foundation to host a free seminar for seniors coping with macular degeneration in the Pittsburgh area. Held on May 8, this was the kickoff event of a series of planned seminars, and was attended by 250 people at the Waterworks Cinema. Similar programs, sponsored by the Macula Vision Research Foundation in conjunction with private practice partners, have been taking place in more than 16 cities across the country.

The seminar focused on providing an overview of macular degeneration for patients and their caregivers. Speakers included Dr. Bernard H. Doft, who provided an overview of the disease, and Dr. Louis A. Lobes, who discussed current treatment options. An update of vitamin therapy was provided by Dr. Robert L. Bergren, and additional speakers included Mary Betty Roeder, a patient who talked about how she copes with her disease, and Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of the Macula Vision Research Foundation.

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.

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

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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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