Give the Gift of Sight

In addition to the small intimate support groups for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the Partnership holds larger workshops, seminars and classes.  These allow us to reach more people who have the disease or are hoping to avoid it.

Recently, 50 members of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) attended a free three-hour class on macular degeneration and low vision rehabilitation.  Sponsored by OLLI, the session took place on the campus of California State University, Long Beach.

Speakers included MDP Director Judi Delgado, who presented an overview of the disease, what can be done to prevent/delay it, and an update on the latest research and clinical trials.

Avani Patel, OD talked to the crowd about low vision rehabilitation and all the resources available to help those with low vision live independent lives.  

Nancy Hendrickson from the Braille Institute shared the many services of Braille and invited attendees to visit their facility in Anaheim.

The afternoon began with refreshments and the opportunity to visit tables with assistive devices, magnifiers and helpful gadgets for those with low vision.  Los Angeles Low Vision demonstrated digital magnifiers, both desktop and portable.  This technology allows those with limited vision to read mail, write checks, look at photos - and can even read the materials out loud.  The smaller devices are useful for reading menus and labels at the grocery store.

Braille Institute displayed a wide variety of helpful items, like talking clocks, large print address books and checkbooks, heavy black "20/20" pens and a gadget that reads prescription bottles.

These workshops are a valuable service to the community and we thank you for helping us continue to provide information and hope to seniors with age-related macular degeneration.