SupportSight Cleveland, Ohio

Retina Associates of Cleveland

Next Seminar: April 25, 2009

Next Meeting: November 2008

View Fall/Winter 2008 Meeting Schedule

Previous Seminars:

Small Group Meetings:

Articles

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Meeting Schedule

All meetings from 10:00 AM to noon

Beachwood
Location:
Retina Associates of Cleveland
3401 Enterprise Parkway
(First floor conference room)
Beachwood, OH
Dates:
11/8/09
12/13/08
3/14/09
5/9/09
Lakewood
Location:
Lakewood Community Health Center
1450 Belle Avenue, 2nd Floor
Lakewood, OH
Dates:
11/14/09
12/12/08
3/13/09
5/8/09

Lorain
Location:
Community Health Partners
Medical Building – Lower Level
3700 Kolbe Road
Lorain, OH
Dates:
11/7/09
12/5/08
3/6/09
5/1/09
Middleburg Heights
Location:
Middleburg Heights Community Center
16000 East Bagley Road
Middleburg Heights, OH
Dates:
11/11/09
12/9/08
3/3/09
5/12/09

Youngstown
Location:
Liberty Township Administration Building
1315 Churchill Hubbard Road
Youngstown, OH
Dates:
11/15/09
12/20/08
3/21/09
5/16/09
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Previous Seminars:

March 24, 2007
Retina Associates of Cleveland partnered with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) to present a free seminar for people with macular degeneration on Saturday, March 24. The seminar was part of a series of events MVRF has sponsored with premier retina practices across the country, and the ninth event they have held in Cleveland over the past five years. Dr. Lawrence Singerman of Retina Associates of Cleveland was instrumental in founding the partnership and helping to spearhead the groups in more than 22 other cities.

On March 24, Dr. Singerman welcomed the crowd, which has grown larger with each meeting, with an update on the newest information on research and treatments to combat the condition.

Dr. Joseph Coney then gave a captivating talk titled "Answers to The Top Ten Questions about Macular Degeneration," which addressed the most common fears and concerns, and also provided answers to things people didn't even realize would be of help to them. Initial diagnosis can be overwhelming, and the calm setting of the seminar, where the audience had come voluntarily and eager for information, helped people to really understand their disease. The ability to ask questions is an important part of the program.

Debbie Kogler of Magnifiers and More gave a presentation she called "Answers to the Top Ten Questions About What Low Vision Services Can Do For People with Macular Degeneration." People were amazed at the wide range of services, gadgets and aids available to help them.

Finally, Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of MVRF, thanked everyone in attendance and surveyed the audience for final questions. Ms. Bramnick explained that the unique partnership between MVRF and Retina Associates of Cleveland, as well as the other practices they work with across the country, is possible because her organization is underwritten for all administrative costs, and every dollar raised goes directly toward funding research.

There are five support groups meeting regularly in the Cleveland area in Beachwood, Lakewood, Lorain, Middleburg Heights and Youngstown. Please call 1-866-462-2852 for more information.

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June 3, 2006
On June 3, a group gathered for a presentation on macular degeneration, sponsored by Retina Associates of Cleveland and the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF). The program included exciting new material on the latest research and treatments concerning macular degeneration.

Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of MVRF, talked about the mission of her organization, to fund research, and provide support to those with macular degeneration. She explained that every cent of all dollars raised go directly to these goals, as their administrative costs are entirely underwritten.

Dr. Lawrence J. Singerman of Retina Associates of Cleveland talked about the recent developments in treatment and research. His presentation style was easily understood by the lay crowd which consisted of patients and their families, and his content left many renewed and hopeful. Dr. Singerman stressed that a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, exercise, and protecting one's eyes from the sun, can go a long way toward maintaining healthy vision.

Dr. Michael A. Novak talked about different lifestyle and dietary modifications that can benefit people with macular degeneration. Finally, a group of women who lead local support groups for patients and family members addressed the audience with an inspirational talk about how to live successfully with the condition. Georgene Meador, Susan Molinari and Bonnie Niebuhr each shared personal experiences that resounded with the rapt audience.

There are five support groups meeting regularly in the Cleveland area in Beachwood, Lakewood, Lorain, Middleburg Heights and Youngstown. Please call 1-866-462-2852 for more information.

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June 4, 2005
Retina Associates of Cleveland worked with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) to present a free seminar on age related macular degeneration, the seventh in an ongoing series. The series, called SupportSight, started in Cleveland in 2003 and MVRF has since partnered with practices in nearly twenty cities to replicate the program, bringing valuable information to patients all over the country.

On June 4, a large crowd gathered at Solon Cinemas to hear Lawrence J. Singerman, M.D., Retina Associates of Cleveland, review the latest information, research and treatments for macular degeneration, a disease that is the leading cause of adult vision loss. Lea S. Bramnick, executive director of MVRF also welcomed the crowd, and provided background information on the organization and its unique mission, which uses one hundred percent of every dollar raised toward research, as all administrative costs are underwritten.

Following Dr. Singerman, Scott D. Pendergast, M.D., Retina Associates of Cleveland, revealed the theories behind the genetics of macular degeneration, answering questions about the possible hereditary link to the disease.

Lastly, Bonnie Niebuhr, a registered nurse who's mother has macular degeneration, provided a very insightful talk titled "Laughing through the darkness," a look at coping using practical applications for low vision as well as maintaining sanity and outlook through humor. Ms. Niebuhr provided a very positive tone that left the audience feeling good about the meeting.

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First MVRF SupportSight Cleveland Low Vision Fair

June 4, 2005
Retina Associates and the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) sponsored the first FREE SupportSight Low Vision Fair in Cleveland on Saturday, June 7, 2003 at the Cleveland Sight Center. Almost 400 people attended the Fair.

Products and services for the visually impaired, demonstrations and "hands-on" trials of equipment were featured. Exhibitors of CCTV's, NuVision glasses, Jordy, new computer products for low vision users, magnifiers, gadgets and aids were available. People were able to try-out many devices and services, assisted by representatives of the exhibiting companies. The EYE-DEA of the Cleveland Sight Center had a large display of very helpful materials.

When glasses, surgery, and medications cannot help, low vision aids are critical for helping people remain independent. Everything from talking clocks to large print address books, cards and games as well as closed circuit televisions cannot restore sight, but help people to make the most of their remaining vision. People can dial the right number; write their own checks; and read their favorite magazines through the use of low vision aids; enabling them to cope more easily and lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

All who attended thought the Fair was a wonderful and helpful success.

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Cleveland, Small Group Meetings

October/November 2007
In October, the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) and the Retina Associates of Cleveland teamed up to conduct a series of small group support meetings in the Chicago area. These sessions, created for people with or people seeking to learn more about macular degeneration, provided an excellent opportunity for area residents to share information, coping methods and resources with each other.

This two-hour session was focused on the nutritional aspect of macular degeneration and what foods contribute to greater overall eye health. The feature presentation at each meeting, “Be Health Wise – Healthy Eating for Healthy Eyes” was presented by Matt Sebastian, a registered and licensed dietician and certified diabetes educator.

Sebastian reviewed the latest information about how to maintain a diet that promotes not just eye health, but general health as well. He even came equipped with a handful of delicious recipes to share with participants. The session closed with a Q&A on the presentation and addressed general macular degeneration questions as well.

Throughout the month, these sessions were held all over the greater Cleveland region in Beachwood, Lakewood, Middleburg Heights, Youngstown/Warren and Lorain.

In November, the small group support series continued with a split-focus session on being “eye wise” with peripheral vision and adjusting to sight when it isn’t like it used to be.

“Be Eye Wise – Using Your Peripheral Vision” and “Hindsight – Seeing But Not Like You Used To” were both presented by rehabilitation specialists from the Cleveland Sight Center. This session helped participants focus on maximizing their sight abilities in order to maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle.

Participants were encouraged to share their personal experiences in the course of both presentations, as history has shown us that shared experiences often lead to greater collective learning.

Like the October small group support sessions, these were held in Beachwood, Lakewood, Middleburg Heights, Youngstown/Warren and Lorain regions of Cleveland.

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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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