SupportSight Philadelphia Region - West Chester, Pennsylvania

Next To be determined

Next Meeting: November 5, 2008

View 2008-2009 Meeting Schedule

Previous Seminars:

Small Group Meetings:

Meeting Schedule

West Chester (all meetings 10:00 AM to noon)
Location:
Fern Hill Medical Campus
Wellness Resource Classroom – Building B
915 Old Fern Hill Road
West Chester, PA 19380
Dates:
12/03/08
3/04/09
4/01/09
5/06/09
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Previous Seminars:

October 6, 2007
October 6 was an exciting and informative day in West Chester, PA for people with macular degeneration, as well as their families and friends. Chester County Eye Care Associates teamed with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) to present a free seminar for the public, held at Chester County Hospital. The energetic crowd on hand demonstrated that this large population was eager for information.

Lea Bramnick, Executive Director, MVRF, explained that the mission of the MVRF is to fund research into the cause, prevention, treatment and ultimately the cure for macular degeneration – all of which is aided by the fact that one hundred percent of all funds raised go toward this goal, as the organization is entirely underwritten for all administrative expenses.

Bruce Saran, M.D. and Carolyn Glazer-Hockstein, M.D. presented some of the newest research and treatment options for macular degeneration. The attentive audience asked informed and thoughtful questions.

A special presentation on coping with the psychological rigors of macular degeneration was given by psychologist Dennis Given. Given addressed the gamut of emotions that are experienced throughout the process, from diagnosis, to depression and eventually, how to rise above it.

Finally, Mary Betty Roeder addressed the crowd to talk about her own experiences with macular degeneration, how it has affected her life and how she has learned to cope and thrive with it.

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October 7, 2006
An enthusiastic audience gathered in a meeting room in Chester County Hospital on October 7 to hear a presentation by Chester County Eye Associates and the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF). The crowd came to learn the newest information on research and treatment of macular degeneration.

Lea S. Bramnick welcomed the group and explained her role as Executive Director of MVRF. Ms. Bramnick 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.

Dr. Bruce Saran presented the most current research updates, providing the latest information to the lay group in easily understood language, and welcomed questions at the conclusion of his talk.

Dr. Carolyn Glazer-Hockstein talked about the most current treatment information. Dr. Jerry Davidoff gave a clear, meaningful presentation on the value of low vision services and how low vision aides can benefit people.

The last speaker was Mary Betty Roeder, a remarkable woman who has lived with macular degeneration for many years. Ms. Roeder talked with an energy and enthusiasm that was enviable and inspirational, and her eagerness brought smiles and laughter to the audience.

Support groups gather monthly at the Fern Hill Medical Campus. Call 1-866-462-2852 for more information.

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West Chester, Small Group Meetings

November 2007
In November, the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) and Chester County Eye Care teamed up to conduct a small group support meeting in Voorhees. This session, 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 Susan Harmelin, Licensed Dietician and Nutritionist.

Harmelin 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.

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.

The small group support session was held at the Fern Hill Medical Campus.

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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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