[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bradford and Bryan Manning were diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease in childhood. The disorder caused gradual loss of their central vision, and it also gave them a mission: To raise awareness and help others with eye diseases. They decided to develop a clothing company and donate the earnings to support research to end blindness. Now called… Continue reading Two Blind Brothers Support Research to End Blindness
Author: Lynda McCullough
1Touch Self-Defense class increases confidence and safety
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you have low vision, you may feel vulnerable in public places. Scott Land, a gymnast and rock climber who has retinitis pigmentosa, does. Legally blind since 2000, Scott studied 1TouchTM Self Defense to learn what to do if someone were to attack him, and he is now a teacher sharing 1Touch with Ensight consumers.… Continue reading 1Touch Self-Defense class increases confidence and safety
Some Addiction Treatment Programs Recognize Needs of People with Low Vision
For those with low-vision who struggle with substance abuse, the process of finding an addiction treatment program may feel daunting. While seeking to overcome an addiction, they must also face the challenge of finding a program that recognizes and respects their needs and provides accommodations. An online resource called Rehabcenter.net provides help with this dilemma… Continue reading Some Addiction Treatment Programs Recognize Needs of People with Low Vision
New Discovery: Trigger for Macular Degeneration
Researchers at University of Virginia School of Medicine have discovered an important trigger for the inflammation causing macular degeneration. Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, vice chairman for research in UVA’s Department of Ophthalmology and the founding director of UVA’s Center for Advanced Vision science, and Nagaraj Kerur, assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, and their laboratories… Continue reading New Discovery: Trigger for Macular Degeneration
Vision impairment doesn’t preclude a love for fashion
Emily Davidson was a college student when she realized there was a “huge misconception” about people with vision impairments. As someone legally blind herself, she noticed that when sighted people saw the way she dressed they were surprised by her clothing choices and her “personal flare for bohemian style,” color coordination, and accessorizing. “It… Continue reading Vision impairment doesn’t preclude a love for fashion
Another reason to exercise–protecting your sight
Reprinted from AAO.org news releases New Orleans — People who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity may be able to significantly lower their risk of glaucoma, according to research presented at AAO 2017, the 121st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles reported a 73 percent decline… Continue reading Another reason to exercise–protecting your sight
New approach to managing dry eye approved by FDA
Having dry eye is frustrating for many, but scientists have come up with a promising new drug-free treatment. Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved this medical device, and it is now available through prescription. The device is called TrueTear, and it is a handheld stimulator that is inserted into the nose… Continue reading New approach to managing dry eye approved by FDA
Low Vision Reading Tools and Techniques
Adapted from an article on Visionaware.org Most of us take our reading and writing abilities for granted. For those who lose significant amounts of vision, the prospect of giving these tasks up is daunting. The good news is that there are many ways to adapt and to continue these essential activities. This blog gives you… Continue reading Low Vision Reading Tools and Techniques
Simon Wheatcroft, blind since his teens, runs ultramarathons
Simon Wheatcroft is an ultramarathon runner. Though he has retinitis pigmentosa and has been blind since 17, he has slowly built his mileage and his ability to traverse varied terrain. The story of his evolution to distance runner is one of daring as well as ingenuity. When Wheatcroft grew bored running from goal post to… Continue reading Simon Wheatcroft, blind since his teens, runs ultramarathons
Can a New Type of Blood Test Identify Macular Degeneration Much Earlier? New Research Says Yes
The following blog is a repost from visionaware.org New research led by the AMD Center of Excellence at Harvard Medical School, the University of Coimbra, Portugal, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital has used an emerging field of study, called “metabolomics” (explained below), to test patients’ blood and identify blood profiles that are associated with age-related macular… Continue reading Can a New Type of Blood Test Identify Macular Degeneration Much Earlier? New Research Says Yes
NEI Highlights New Technologies and Tools for People with Low Vision
The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, is funding several new technologies and tools being created to help the 4.1 million Americans living with low vision or blindness. The tools are designed to help people manage daily tasks such as navigating office buildings, crossing streets, and recognizing images and objects.… Continue reading NEI Highlights New Technologies and Tools for People with Low Vision
Senior Center Without Walls Offers New Way to Connect with Others
Adapted from an article on Visionaware.org by Audrey Demmitt If you are a senior and feel that it is difficult to get out as much as you’d like, you many be pleased to know about another option for socializing. Senior Center Without Walls (SCWW) provides opportunities to connect with others and participate in activities, education,… Continue reading Senior Center Without Walls Offers New Way to Connect with Others
Breaking Blind YouTube Channel Provides Advice for Living with Low Vision
Looking for “how to” videos that teach you how to adapt to vision loss? Check out the “Breaking Blind” YouTube channel to follow creator Maureen Neitfeld as she demonstrates everything from making fudge to working out. Maureen Neitfeld lost her sight at 17 from a disorder called Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome that causes tumors to grow… Continue reading Breaking Blind YouTube Channel Provides Advice for Living with Low Vision
Research shows Low Vision and Balance Issues are Directly Related
You may be aware that vision loss contributes to falls because it makes it more difficult to see what is in your path, but did you know it can affect balance in general? Science just began to unlock this mystery in recent years: Read on to learn more. UC Davis Health System researchers released information… Continue reading Research shows Low Vision and Balance Issues are Directly Related
Inspiring Film tells the story of Foundation Fighting Blindness Founders
“The Illumination” is a new film telling the story of Gordon and Lulie Gund’s 46-year-long mission to turn their own experience with blindness into research to restore vision to others. The documentary was produced by the Nantucket Project, and it premiered at the Cleveland International Film Festival in March and was an official selection at… Continue reading Inspiring Film tells the story of Foundation Fighting Blindness Founders