SupportSight Tucson, Arizona

Retina Associates Southwest P.C.

Next Seminar: February 21, 2009

Next Meeting: November 12 & 14, 2008

View 2008-2009 Meeting Schedule

Previous Seminars:

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Meeting Schedule

Green Valley (all meetings 10:00 AM to noon)
Location:
Friends In Deed
301 W. Camino Casa Verde
Green Valley, AZ 85614
Dates:
11/12/08
12/03/08
1/07/09
2/04/09
3/4/09

Tucson (all meetings 10:00 AM to noon)
Location:
Martha Cooper Public Library
1377 N. Catalina Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85712
Dates:
11/14/08
12/12/08
1/09/09
2/13/09
3/13/09
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Previous Seminars:

February 23, 2008
On February 28, Retina Associates Southwest, P.C. partnered with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) to showcase the latest information and research trends about macular degeneration to residents in the Tucson, AZ area. Held at the Tucson Convention Center, these sessions were free and open to the public. Intended for both those living with macular degeneration, as well as their friends and families, the sessions were well attended, indicating a desire for additional information about thriving with this disease.

On hand to represent the MVRF was Executive Director Lea Bramnick, who spent some time discussing 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.

April Harris, M.D. was the feature speaker, bringing with her a pair of presentations. She began by discussing the most recent information, research findings and treatment options in the field regarding macular degeneration. Deftly breaking down the science so that it was easily understood by all in attendance, Dr. Harris followed this first session with a Q&A to clarify some of the new scientific information.

Her second session was focused on the genetic ties of macular degeneration and the likelihood that family members of those who are afflicted with the disease may also develop the condition. Dr. Harris also highlighted some breakthrough information from a number of recent genetic studies and research papers. This session also wrapped up with an audience Q&A.

The final presentation was given by Mary Betty Roeder, who spoke about how to live well with macular degeneration. She opened up with the audience, sharing 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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February 24, 2007
On February 24, Retina Associates Southwest, in partnership with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) presented a free seminar highlighting recent exciting and life changing research into prevention and treatment of macular degeneration.

Introducing the seminar was Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of MVRF, an organization based near Philadelphia 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.

Ms. Bramnick introduced Drs. April Harris and Egbert Saavedra, who explained the current research updates to the eager audience.

Then, husband and wife team Janet Dylla and Thomas Northrup, who happened to be celebrating their 20th anniversary that day, gave an extraordinary presentation about the roles of friends and families when dealing with macular degeneration. Ms. Dylla, in her role as COT (Certified Ophthalmic Technician) at Desert Low Vision Services, discussed how she is best able to support her husband, who is visually impaired, and also shared information from her background in low vision services.

Mr. Northrup then spoke further about how he copes with his own macular degeneration, and shared his thoughts and tips on ways to manage and continue to live independently and well with the condition.

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Low Vision Fair a Hands-On Success

February 25, 2006
On February 25, a low vision fair featuring the latest technologies and specialty products available to assist people with low vision was held at the Tucson Convention Center. Sponsored by Retina Associates Southwest in partnership with the Macula Vision Research Foundation, the fair was free and open to the public.

The event was well-attended by over 400 seniors with macular degeneration, along with their loved ones and caregivers. Product demonstrations really showed the value the low vision aids could provide to people with the disease, and attendees were encouraged to test the products for themselves.

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.

Receiving the Diagnosis
When people receive this diagnosis, they are often frightened and confused, they usually do not know anything about macular degeneration and many do not know anyone who has the disease. It is very important to become knowledgeable about support services so that people can remain independent and continue to do things for themselves.

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Tucson Seminar Draws Crowds Despite Major Obstacles

Rattlesnakes and Fires Don’t Scare These Seniors
June 21, 2004
A fire on the set of a Steven King miniseries being filmed in the Tucson Convention Center was made more chaotic because of the six live rattlesnakes on the loose on the set, and the whole fiasco brought an onslaught of media coverage and caused the cancellation of multiple events scheduled for the next day. But the situation did not diminish the excitement nor deter the attendance of the more than 100 area seniors who were eager to learn about macular degeneration at the free seminar that was held at the Convention Center on Saturday, December 11.

The Macula Vision Research Foundation and Retina Associates, organizers of the event, had expected more than double that number, but Convention Center officials informed the group that they had more participants show up than any other program that was held during that day. “People must have really wanted to hear what you have to say,” the convention manager remarked.

The attendees were not disappointed. The agenda featured a series of informative speakers, starting with Dr. Leonard Joffe of Retina Associates, who addressed the group and provided an overview of macular degeneration. Then Dr. Joffe turned the podium over to David Clark, a Team Coordinator from Visual Impairment Services, who discussed ways to rise above the depression that often accompanies a diagnosis of macular degeneration. This important information was of interest to both patients and their families and caregivers, who were also in attendance at the seminar.

Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of the Macula Vision Research Foundation, an organization based in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, provided an overview of the Foundation and the services they provide to people with this disease, including both fundraising and support services. Some of the things she discussed, in addition to talking about the national support groups MVRF has started throughout the country included: a large-print book swap, large-print newsletters and informative, easy-to-read website, and a toll-free answer line for questions and resources.

The final speaker, Bill Hall, gave a lively discussion about how he lives successfully with macular degeneration. He gave the group insight into some of the coping mechanisms and “seeing” tips he has picked up since his diagnosis. His talk was followed by an enthusiastic question and answer period.

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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First SupportSight of Tucson Meeting

February 15, 2003
Retina Associates and the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) held the first FREE SupportSight meeting in Tucson on Saturday, February 15, 2003 at the Tucson Convention Center. MVRF SupportSight is the first-ever national series of support group seminars for people suffering with macular degeneration and their families. Over 300 people attended the SupportSight seminar.

Program
Leonard Joffe, M.D., of Tucson’s Retina Associates discussed:

Alexander J. Brucker, M.D. Professor of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, 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.

Support Group Research
Healthcare research has shown that support groups can be very helpful to people who suffer from diseases such as macular degeneration. “Patients will cope better with their loss of vision if they are able to share their concerns with people with similar problems. SupportSight will provide this forum, and will boost confidence and independence among people with macular degeneration, said Leonard Joffe, M.D. of Retina Associates.

“This disease is rising in prevalence every year, and people need to be aware of the options for coping, even as new treatments are under development.”

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.

A 74 year-old patient of Retina Associates said, “Before I was diagnosed, I had never heard of macular degeneration. I had no idea what was happening to me. Now the second eye is having symptoms and it is very distressing to me. Meeting people with similar problems and sharing concerns and solutions for coping was the most helpful thing.”

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

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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