Physical Health United States Project #2865

Give the Gift of Sight

by Discovery Eye Foundation

Project Report | May 3, 2012
May is Healthy Vision Month

By Judith Delgado | Executive Director

The National Eye Institute has designated May as Healthy Vision Month in the U.S. As it happens, May is also Older Americans Month - so how appropriate is that for seniors at risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Actually, we are all at risk for AMD - yes, even YOU. Some of the risk factors are things you can't do anything about, like - your age, eye color, genes and gender. And even if you are young, you're going to want to start early to control the risks that you can, like - smoking, diet, weight, cholesterol, high blood pressure, sun exposure.

But, how do you know if your eyes may have a problem? Interestingly, you may not know unless you get an eye exam. And early detection may save your sight.

To remind people of the importance of getting an fully dilated eye exam, the Macular Degeneration Partnership has launched a Facebook campaign in May, posting daily information and curious eye facts. The May issue of AMD Update will also focus on early detection and early treatment. If you haven't visited the Facebook page of the Macular Degeneration Partnership, or subscribed to AMD Update, you can follow the attached links.

On May 23, the Partnership will be at the "Boomers and Beyond" health event at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, California, to test the vision of those most at risk. We'll rush from there to an AMD Support Group in Beverly Hills, where an expert on low vision will demonstrate devices that can help those with vision loss.

The very next day, a collaborative group will present, "What's New in Low Vision". The audience at this free event will hear from the experts and then have a chance to try out some devices and techniques for themselves. It takes place at the Veterans Auditorium in Culver City.

It's a busy month! For more information, visit our website or contact us at 888-430-9898. And don't forget to schedule your eye exam!

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Feb 2, 2012
New Year Update

By Judi Delgado | Executive Director

Nov 17, 2011
Hope - What Your Gift Accomplished

By Judith Delgado | Executive Director

Do you know about the survey that found people are more afraid of going blind than almost anything else? That if they could, they’d trade off years of life in return for keeping their sight?

Jackie understands. At age 58, her doctor told her, “You’ll be blind in 5 years. You have macular degeneration just like your mom. ” She’s a teacher and can’t afford to lose her sight and she was angry. “You can’t tell me I’m going to go blind and then send me out the door without any information or any guidance!”

So, she did some research herself and found the Macular Degeneration Partnership (MDP).

After talking to our one on one counselor at MDP, she understands that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes central vision loss, not complete blindness. She also learned the healthy habits that may slow down the progression of the disease. And now that she’s signed up for the free AMD Update e-newsletter, she has a reliable source for the latest in research and treatments.

“You saved my life that day.” she says. “I felt my world had come crashing down. Now I feel that a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you for spending so much time on the phone with me, answering my questions.”

Thousands of people with AMD – and their family and caregivers – have found help and hope at the Macular Degeneration Partnership because of your donations.

If you call our toll-free “warm line”, you are able to talk to a caring professional who can answer your questions and direct you to resources near your home. You can sign up for the monthly email newsletter to stay on top of the latest in research. Attend a support group. Get an AMD Toolkit. Visit the website, AMD.org, to read about the tests your doctors performs, find a clinical trial and learn about low vision rehabilitation.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we take this opportunity to thank YOU for your support. You have helped people like Jackie find hope, information, and tools for living successfully with macular degeneration. For her, and thousands more, your gift has meant so much. Thank you.

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