SupportSight Lexington, Kentucky

Retina and Vitreous Associates of Lexington

Next Seminar: March 7, 2009

Next Meeting: November 3, 2008

View 2007-2008 Meeting Schedule

Previous Seminars:

Small Group Meetings:

Meeting Schedule

Lexington (all meetings 10:00 AM to noon)
Location:
Lexington Public Library
Eagle Creek Branch
101 N. Eagle Creek Drive
Lexington, KY 40509
Dates:
11/3/08
12/1/08
4/6/08
5/4/09
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Previous Seminars:

March 15, 2008
On March 15, Retina Associates of Kentucky and the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) joined forces to present a seminar about macular degeneration to those living with the disease, as well as their friends and families in Lexington, KY. The seminar, which was free and open the public, was held at the local Regal Cinemas in Hamburg Pavillion.

MVRF Executive Director, Lea Bramnick, was on hand to discuss 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.

Paul deAlba, O.D., F.A.A.O. gave a presentation called " Answers to the Top Ten Questions about What Low Vision Services Can Do for People with Macular Degeneration." The session was full of great information, as was evident by the excellent reception it received from those in attendance. In addition to the "Top Ten Questions," Mr. deAlba also fielded any additional questions attendees had at the close of the session.

Keeping with the theme of "Top Tens," John Kitchens, M.D. presented answers to the top ten questions about macular generations. This session was a perfect follow-up to Mr. deAlba's, and the audience stayed tuned in and continued asking great questions.

William J. Wood, M.D., was also on hand to present some of the newest information about macular degeneration research and treatment options.

The seminar closed out with a fantastic presentation from Marvin Pickett, who was present to give his 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, Marvin's talk was well received by the eager and appreciative audience.

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March 10, 2007
A group gathered at Hamburg Pavilion on Saturday, March 10, to hear the latest information on macular degeneration. Retina Associates of Kentucky sponsored the free presentation in conjunction with the Macula Vision Research Foundation whose mission 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.

Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of MVRF, welcomed the audience and thanked them for their interest and attendance.

After Ms. Bramnick, Dr. William J. Wood addressed the group to share the newest research and treatment options for the condition. Many of the studies and updates he shared were funded from MVRF money.

Dr. Thomas W. Stone talked next about lifestyle and dietary modifications that may help to keep the symptoms of macular degeneration in check.

Finally, Linda Sutherland, a patient with macular degeneration, talked to the group about her own experiences, how she has learned to make modifications to her lifestyle but to still live her life independently and fully. Linda is an artist who makes beautiful plates and wreaths, and although she is legally blind, her work has become increasingly more complex in recent years. Linda uses public transport to travel around Lexington, so she doesn't have to rely on anyone to bring her to her art classes or doctors appointments. She shared some of her work with the audience, and her creativity and positive outlook was enriching for everyone.

Support groups meeting monthly at the Eagle Creek Branch of the Lexington Public Library. Call 1-866-462-2852 for more information.

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March 4, 2006
Retina Associates of Kentucky partnered with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) to present a free seminar on age related macular degeneration. The presentation, held on Saturday, March 4, 2006, in the Hamburg Pavilion and was well-attended by a large group of patients along with their family and friends.

The agenda included an overview of MVRF by Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of the organization, which is based outside of Philadelphia in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

New research supported by the Foundation is proving to be very positive. Following Ms. Bramnick, Dr. William J. Wood discussed the newest treatments and research advancements for macular degeneration which are most helpful and successful.

Dr. John W. Kitchens then gave a talk on the genetics of macular degeneration, and the question of whether or not it is hereditary. This topic was of particular interest to many of the caregivers in the audience, who are often the adult children of macular degeneration patients. Ideas for healthy lifestyles to enable to postpone or avoid the disease were discussed.

Finally, the podium was turned over to Freddie W. Bratcher, who has macular degeneration and provided an honest, brave, and humorous look at how he deals with his condition on a daily basis. His talk about living successfully with macular degeneration left the audience with a renewed sense of hope about their futures.

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Low Vision Fair

May 14, 2005
Retina and Vitreous Associates of Kentucky partnered with the Macula Vision Research Foundation to present a free low vision fair as part of an ongoing series of information sessions. The fair, held on Saturday, May 14 at the North East Christian Church, was free and open to the public. The event provided an opportunity for the attendees, many with macular degeneration, along with their friends and family members, to try out the wide range of low vision aids that are available for people with impaired sight.

Product demonstrations, hands-on trials and many exhibits made for a lively morning, filled with informative discussions and thoughtful questions.

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December 10, 2005
Retina Associates of Kentucky, in partnership with Macula Vision Research Foundation, presented a seminar on macular degeneration on December 10, 2005 at the Hamburg Regal Cinema. Free and open to the public, the topics addressed included the newest information on research and treatment as well as the roles that family and friends can play in managing the condition.

Dr. John W. Kitchens talked about the research and treatments that are currently being investigated, and the advancements that are moving forward.

Kathy Hall, a retired teacher, talked about the importance of the roles of family and friends. Ms. Hall explained that these roles should be discussed openly and honestly, so expectations are well defined and understood.

It is important that people with macular degeneration, as well as those who love them, recognize the possibilities of still being able to do what matters most, even with diminished vision, including art and other personal passions. Brent Harris, an artist living with macular degeneration, talked about how he continues to pursue his work and what compensations he has had to make.

Ms. Lea Bramnick, Executive Director of the Foundation, 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.

A support group meets monthly at the Eagle Creek Branch of the Lexington Public Library. Call 1-866-462-2852 for more information.

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Hundreds Attend Free Seminar on Services for the Visually Impaired

October 11, 2003
Retina and Vitreous Associates of Kentucky teamed up with the Macula Vision Research Foundation to put on a free seminar for Lexington area seniors coping with macular degeneration. This meeting was the second in a series of information sessions and more than 200 people attended at the Hamburg Pavilion.

The seminar focused on services available for visually impaired people in the Lexington area, and speakers included Rick Isernhagen, M.D. and Jeanne Van Arsdall, B.A., COA, Low Vision Specialist from Retina and Vitreous Associates of Kentucky, as well as two patients, Peggy Harp and Richard Hobdy who gave inspiring presentations about their experiences living with macular degeneration.

Speakers at the Meeting
Dr. Isernhagen discussed clinical trials for macular degeneration. Jeanne Van Arsdall, Low Vision Specialist, discussed low vision services and adaptive aids. Michael Young discussed transportation services. Peggy Harp and Richard Hobdy talked about how to live with macular degeneration. They live full lives and interesting lives, participating and contributing in many community and social activities with friends and family. Peggy Harp said whenever she has to do something, she thinks "I haven't learned to do it the new way yet, but I will" and then she goes forward.

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First Meeting of the MVRF SupportSight of Lexington

March 29, 2003
Retina and Vitreous Associates of Kentucky teamed up with the Macula Vision Research Foundation to put on a free seminar for Lexington area seniors coping with macular degeneration. This meeting was the second in a series of information sessions and more than 200 people attended at the Hamburg Pavilion.

Program
Thomas W. Stone, M.D., of Retina and Vitreous Associates of Lexington, Kentucky discussed:

William J. Wood, M.D., of Retina and Vitreous Associates of Lexington, Kentucky 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. " Seminars like SupportSight provide an opportunity for people with similar concerns and problems to share solutions and suggestions. There is no better coping mechanism than enlisting the support of others in the same situation,” said David Orth, M.D., F.A.C.S., Professor of Ophthalmology, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center.

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.

Currently, there is no cure, but there are treatments available and more in development that work to halt the progression of the disease. “A lot of resources are being funneled into various aspects of macular degeneration and positive results are benefiting patients and their families,” said Serge de Bustros, M.D., Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center.

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."

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 to provide public education about the condition. 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 programs, support groups, the toll-free hotline (866-4-macula), responding to the needs of patients, their families and loved ones, through question and answer sessions following public education programs, and printed and taped literature.

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Lexington, Small Group Meetings

October/November 2007
In October, the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) and the Retina Associates of Kentucky teamed up to conduct a series of small group support meetings in the Lexington 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 general health aspect of macular degeneration and what can be done to slow the progression of the disease. The feature presentation at each meeting, “Be Health Wise – Helping To Prevent AMD and/or Slow Its Progression” was presented by Sister Mary A. Stuart, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.

Sister Stuart reviewed the latest information about how to maintain a lifestyle that promotes not just eye health, but general health as well. She shared the latest research information about preventing macular degeneration and slowing the disease in those that have it. The session closed with a Q&A on the presentation and addressed general macular degeneration questions as well.

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” was presented T. Tyler Thompson, Jr. 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.

Both the October and November sessions were held at the Lexington Public Library.

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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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