SupportSight Detroit, Michigan

Associated Retinal Consultants, P.C.

Previous Seminars:

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Previous Seminars:

April 2, 2005
More than 150 people attended the second meeting of SupportSight, a group sponsored by the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) in partnership with Associated Retinal Consultants, P.C. The meeting was held on April 2 at the Star Theaters in Southfield.

Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of MVRF, welcomed the group and gave them an update on the organization. She talked of the great successes SupportSight has been having across the country, and the fundraising opportunities that are ongoing, in order to provide necessary money for continued research.

This discussion made a perfect introduction for Dr. Alan J. Ruby, from Associated Retinal Consultants, P.C., who explained how clinical trials work. He talked about current treatment options and others under development, and explained that as more research yields new opportunities for treatment and prevention, the number of trials that require patients and funding increases. This is exciting for the futures of patients with macular degeneration.

Mary Ellen Daniel, MSA, OTR, CLVT, discussed the various low vision services available to people in the Detroit community. Her main message was that by availing yourself to all aid options out there, you can maximize the quality of life by using the best vision you have. This was eye-opening for people that may have been hesitant to seek assistance or use visual aids. Ms. Daniel gave five ideas for using best vision:

Lastly, Sterling McDonald discussed how he lives with macular degeneration. By being resourceful and inventive, Mr. McDonald is able to bowl and play golf. He attributes his success to his positive attitude and unwillingness to give up. He was very inspirational to the eager audience.

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First MVRF SupportSight of Detroit Meeting

October 9, 2004
The first meeting of SupportSight, the national support group for patients suffering from macular degeneration was held in Detroit on October 9. The meeting was sponsored by Associated Retinal Consultants, P.C., in conjunction with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF), and the event was attended by nearly 250 people.

Program
The program began with Michael T. Trese, M.D. providing an overview of the disease, with a presentation titled “What is macular degeneration?” Later, Dr. Trese reviewed the use of vitamin therapy for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.

The next speaker, Bruce R. Garretson, M.D., discussed options for the treatment of macular degeneration. Dr. Garretson explained to the crowd that while currently there is no known cure for macular degeneration, there are therapies being researched to halt the progression of the disease. He also noted that low vision rehabilitation can help people learn to use their remaining vision to perform tasks in order to maintain their independence to the greatest extent possible.

Mary Betty Roeder, a patient who suffers from macular degeneration, delighted the large crowd with her funny and upbeat discussion of how she copes with her diminished eyesight without letting her limitations get in her way. Ms. Roeder urged patients to let their families help them to do things on their own, not do everything for them, and also stressed the importance of a supportive network of friends and caregivers.

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.

Macula Vision Research Foundation
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 twenty-first 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 know about this issue, which is becoming an epidemic with the growth of our aging population,” said Herbert Lotman, Founder, along with his wife, Karen, of the 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 fund-raising support for critical research, some of which were discussed at this seminar. We are also aware of the great need for support for patients with macular degeneration and their families.”

MVRF
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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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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