Archives
A library of 95 audio and audio/visual programs and supplementary materials produced by MD Support for free use by affiliates of the International Low Vision Support Group
Mini-Presentations
Brief presentations for low vision individuals or groups seeking to understand causes, symptoms and treatment of common eye conditions.
“Age-Related Macular Degeneration” (10:37)
“Cataract Surgery” (8:20)
“Diabetic Retinopathy” (10:18)
“Dry Eye” (6:35)
“Eyelid Problems” (10:50)
“Floaters and Flashes” (4:32)
“Glaucoma” (7:00)
“How The Eye Works” (9:10)
“Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation” (10:30)
Full-length Presentations and Supplementary Materials
“The T.A.S.K. of Living With Central Vision Loss”
20:53
Presentation by Dan Roberts about the four elements of living successfully with low vision: Tenacity,Adaptability, Support and Knowledge.
Transcript
“Learning to Live with Low Vision: One Man’s Journey Through Rehabilitation”
34:39
A dramatic presentation providing insight into every aspect of low vision rehabilitation, featuring professional actor Richard C. Brown.
Transcript with graphics
“Straight Talk About Cope-ability”
19:47
A discussion with Mary Jay Clough, ACSW & Roy Cole, O.D., F.A.A.O. from the Jewish Guild for the Blind, New York City, NY
Supplemental activity:
How Copeable Are You? (A self-assessment tool)
“With the Heart One Sees Rightly”
40:19
Presenters: Lylas G. Mogk, M.D. and Prof. Marja Mogk, co-authors: Macular Degeneration:The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight
“Successful Self-Management”
35:46
How you can manage your own continuum of care and be an effective partner in your treatment and rehabilitation. Presenter: Lynne Noon, O.D., FAAO, Diplomate in Low Vision Rehabilitation; President, LowVision.com.
“Eye Didn’t Know That!”
39:50
A tour through the eye and fun facts about how it works, leading to a greater appreciation for the process of sight.
Presenter: Edward J. Huggett, O.D., Chief of Low Vision Services, St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute, Tarpon Springs, Florida.
“The Challenges of Multiple Age-Related Disabilities”
55:25
Presenter: Mary Warren, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA (Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham)
“Travel Without Trouble (In Spite of Low Vision)”
27:52
Presenter: Dan Roberts, Director, MD Support
Additional reading:
Travels With Charlie (Informal essays by Charlie Zell)
“Hearing and Vision Loss”
43:56
Presenter: Helen J. Simon, Ph.D. (Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute)
“Adventures in Darkness”
57:27
An inspirational discussion with Tom Sullivan (blind actor, singer, entertainer, author, producer)
“Reclaiming Independence: Staying in the Driver’s Seat When You No Longer Drive”
56:29
Presenter: L. Penny Rosenblum, Ph.D. (University of Arizona)
Additional reading:
State Vision Screening and Standards for License to Drive
Driving Safely
“Body Weight and Eye Disease”
50:31
Presenter: Ellen Troyer, M.T., M.A. (Chief Research Officer, Biosyntrx, Inc.)
Additional reading:
Descriptions of Antioxidant Vitamins, Nutrients, and Minerals
“Memory as a Substitute for Vision: The Aging Brain”
40:15
Presenter: Colleen O’Donnell, MSA, OTR, CLVT (Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center, Henry Ford Health System)
“Nutrition: Separating Fact From Fiction”
54:52
Presenter: Ellen Troyer, M.T., M.A. (CEO, Biosyntrx, Inc.
“Navigating Everyday Tasks With Less Stress”
38:24
Presenter: Anita Arakawa, M.A. (Veterans Administration, Los Angeles CA)
“Seeing Lessons”
57:21
Tom Sullivan (blind actor, singer, entertainer, author, producer) presents highly entertaining selections from his one-man show.
“Head, Heart, and Eyes”
58:27
Presenter: R. Tracy Williams, OD, FAAO, with Leah Gerlach, M.S., C.R.C. (Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, Wheaton, IL)
“Emotion and Adjustment”
22:04
Julia Kleinschmidt, PhD (Director, Patient Support Program, Moran Eye Center, Utah) understands the emotional response and adjustment issues related to vision loss, and she offers her experienced perspective on those issues.
“Spirituality Can Help”
38:47
Presenter: Colleen O’Donnell, MSA, OTR, CLVT (Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit MI)
“What’s Your Story?”
30:20
Interviews with low vision individuals provided by AMD Alliance International and moderated by Dan Roberts.
“Keeping Fit: Fall Prevention and Exercise for Older Adults with Vision Loss”
44:50
Presenter: Anne Riddering, OTR/L, CLVT, COMS (Henry Ford Health System, Detroit MI)
“Hallucinations and Low Vision–Understanding Charles Bonnet Syndrome”
26:14
Presenters: Liz Trauernicht (Director, Macular Degeneration Foundation) with Oliver Sacks, M.D. and Marjorie Louer
“Looking Past Limits”
Motivational speech by low vision activist Caroline Casey (Founding CEO, Aisling Foundation), originally produced by TED Talks
“Helping Others Understand”
Suggestions of ways to increase understanding of visual impairment by family members, friends, and care givers. Free companion booklet, “Caring for the Visually Impaired”, available here.
“Gardening With Low Vision”
A Hadley School for the Blind past seminar, originally titled “Harvest the Benefits of Gardening”. Information about garden planning, choosing and identifying plants, appropriate tools and hardware, and adaptive techniques.
“What’s So Funny About Low Vision?”
20 minutes of humorous jokes and anecdotes about life with visual impairment, as contributed by members of the low vision community and told by MD Support Director Dan Roberts.
“Limited Vision…Unlimited Potential”
Tracy Williams, O.D., F.A.A.O. and Gregg Pusateri, O.D., M.Div. (Spectrios Institute, Wheaton IL) answer questions posed by ILVSG Director Dan Roberts about the importance of low vision rehabilitation to a person’s psychological and spiritual well-being.
“Suffering, Endurance, Character, and Hope”
This inspiring speech was delivered by Paul Karos at the opening session of Visions 2012, sponsored by the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Mr. Karos, who was diagnosed at the age of eight with retinitis pigmentosa, describes how vision loss affected his life as he traveled the road from desperation as a young man to becoming one of the top executives in the country.
“Participating in a Clinical Trial”
Dr. David Birch covers the many aspects of a clinical trial a patient should know before participating in one. Topics will include inclusion and exclusion criteria, what to expect during study visits, open-label versus placebo controlled studies, and why clinical trials are important. The second part presents Drs. David Wilson, Matthew Vincent, and David Saperstein, who describe three major clinical trials currently underway.
“Growing Through Grief: Emotional Adjustment to Vision Loss”
Ellen Morrow reviews the feelings and reactions to grieving the loss of vision. She describes different types of loss and different methods of coping, including inner strength and outer resources. She also discusses newer research on significant factors in resiliency.
“Overcoming the ‘Obstacle’ of Blindness”
Eric Weihenmayer, the only blind man to climb all seven summits, offers an impactful message about harnessing the power of adversity and using it as fuel for greatness. Viewing adversity not as the enemy, but as the pathway. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and talks about the daily struggle to pursue dreams.
“Crime Prevention and Personal Safety for the Blind and Visually Impaired”
Bobbi Moore provides tips for the visually impaired to increase confidence and the ability to handle themselves in a dangerous situation.
“Understanding Drug Side Effects and Adverse Events”
MD Support Director Dan Roberts explains what patients should and should not be concerned about when undergoing drug treatment.
“ADA Complementary Paratransit Basics”
Information from Easter Seals Project Action about alternative transportation for the visually impaired. Presenter: Kristi McLaughlin. Training and Technical Assistance Specialist.
“Where Did I Put It?”
Polly Abbott, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist at Second Sense, shares strategies and tips for organizing and identifying belongings. Polly provides further information on how to create independence through a system of organization.
“Aging and Low Vision”
Bryan Gerritsen, CLVT, discusses how we are confronted daily with different visual challenges, and how we can handle them.
“The Monster Behind The Door”
Dan Roberts says that fear of the unknown, and of being alone, are the worst of all fears, and are therefore the biggest challenges in coping with progressive vision loss. Conquering those fears can open doors of opportunities never thought possible.
“Riding the Wave of Evolving Technology”
New technology combined with blindness skills can replace eyesight in up to 99% of normal daily living activities. Presented by Dan Roberts and featuring “Sarah’s Day” in her own words.
Transcript
“Twenty Things Eye Doctors Probably Don’t Tell You (But Would Like You To Know)”
Sometimes doctors are better off just not saying anything, but here is what they could very well be thinking. A revealing and often humorous peek into the minds of those who care for us.
Transcript
“Ending Blindness”
A capsulized Charlie Rose panel discussion on promising developments in gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and retinal chip implantation.
“Living With a Low Vision Person”
Nancy Goodman Torpey & Peter Torpey (hosts of the weekly Internet podcast, Eyes On Success) interview family members of people with low vision. The session also includes helpful information for caregivers provided by Dan Roberts.
Additional material: Caring For The Visually Impaired
“Using a Cane: Is it Right for Me?”
Presented by Julie Deden, (Executive Director, Colorado Center for the Blind) at VISIONS 2014, sponsored by the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
“Overcoming Challenges of Vision Loss”
(mp4 format)
Nancy Goodman Torpey & Peter Torpey (hosts of the weekly Internet podcast, Eyes On Success) often say that nothing is impossible just because you can’t see. In this session, we hear heartfelt thoughts from several visually impaired people on the subject and how they have overcome others telling them something was impossible.
“All About Glasses”
(mp4 format)
Dan Roberts (ILVSG Director) explains prescription numbers, types of eyeglasses, how visual acuity is measured, and how to choose the right sunglasses.
Transcript
“Don’t Let Low Vision Bring you Down: Coping with Depression, Anxiety and Anger”
(mp4 format)
Presented by Beth Gustin (Center For People With Disabilities) at VISIONS 2014, sponsored by the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
“Sightseeing Without Sight”
(mp4 format)
Dan Roberts introduces new research which has shown that our brains actually do form mental images from what we hear. Sightseeing can, therefore, be possible if we just “open our ears” to the sounds around us. To make sightseeing easier, Peter Torpey and Nancy Goodman Torpey (hosts of the weekly Internet podcast, Eyes On Success) discuss making the best of nonvisual senses while traveling, including examples from their recent trip. It includes audio clips, pointers about information available at most Visitor Centers, and suggestions of the kinds of accommodations one might expect.
At the end of the presentation, a fun demonstration of “audio imaging” involves the listener.
“Training and Raising Guide Dogs”
(mp4 format)
Peter Torpey and Nancy Goodman Torpey (hosts of the weekly Internet podcast, Eyes On Success) speak with Pam Boy (Region Coordinator for Guiding Eyes For The Blind) about the making of a guide dog, from breeding to final graduation.
“Preparing For Vision Loss”
(mp4 format)
Nancy and Peter Torpey (hosts of the weekly Internet podcast, Eyes On Success) talk about how you can prepare for eventual vision loss by preparing your home, using adaptive aids, becoming aware of your other senses, accessible technology and more.
“Leading in the Dark”
(mp4 format)
Former New York Governor David Paterson talks about his journey as the state’s first African American, and legally blind, governor. He relates several stories about the predicaments his visual condition got him into, with his main point being that we need to sometimes just let those kinds of situations just roll off our backs, and maybe even find the humor in them.
“The Sociology of Disability”
(mp4 format)
Peter Torpey and Nancy Goodman Torpey (hosts of the weekly Internet podcast, Eyes On Success) interview Tom Behler, a blind college professor of sociology, who provides unique insight into how people with disabilities are treated by society.
“The Future of Driving With Visual Impairment”
(mp4 format)
David Seftel, MD, interviews Philip C Hessburg, MD, about hope for the future of visually impaired drivers. Relaxation of driving regulations and the advent of autonomous vehicles are discussed.
“Gene Therapy 101”
(mp4 format)
Dr. Shannon Boye (Univ of FL) and Dr. John Flannery (Univ of CA, Berkley) describe recent developments in gene therapy treatment for ophthalmic conditions.
“Stem Cells 201”
(mp4 format)
Dr. David Gamm (University of Wisconsin) and Dr. Dennis Clegg (University of California, Santa Barbara) provide an update (as of 2016) on developments in stem cell transplantation therapy for retinal diseases.
“Living Life Unafraid”
(mp4 format)
Rebecca Alexander, psychotherapist and author, tells about living successfully with loss of both vision and hearing.
“Taking Care of the Future You”
(mp4 format)
Ellen Troyer, M.T., M.A. (Chief Research Officer, Biosyntrx, Inc.) talks about the importance of preparing for a future of personal independence, comfort, and good health.
“Hidden Thoughts of the Visually Impaired”
(mp4 format)
Dan Roberts sheds light on 30 private comments commonly heard from people affected by blindness and low vision. This short presentation is most effective when followed by group discussion.
Transcript
“The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist: Your Advocate for Independence”
(mp4 format)
Ed Haines from Hadley Helps talks about the services of one of the most important professionals in the low vision team.
“Low Vision Rehabilitation from the Inside Out”
(mp4 format)
Gregg Pusateri, O.D., M.Div. (Spectrios Institute for Low Vision), discusses the value of low vision rehabilitation as a way of providing low vision people with “hope, independence, and dignity in their lives”.
Related Video: Jim’s Story-a Journey Through Low Vision Rehabilitation
“Adapting Your Home for the Blind and Visually Impaired”
(mp4 format)
Neva Fairchild (American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss) describes simple, but important ways life around the house or apartment can be made easier.
Additional reading: Home Modifications for the Visually Impaired or Blind – The Complete Guide
“Transitioning to Blindness”
(mp4 format)
(from “Eyes On Success” Podcast 1545, Nov. 4, 2015)
Losing one’s vision as an adult can be difficult. This week hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Susan Krieger about her experiences as she transitioned from the sighted world to using a cane and guide dog. Hear about 3 books she has written in which she documents her journey through a series of entertaining and insightful essays.
“Don’t Wait For Luck”
(mp4 format)
Motivational speaker Paul Appleyard tells his inspirational story about how he became a World Champion Blind Golfer.
“What’s So Scary About Blind People?”
Dan Roberts discusses blindness issues, including a reading of an opinion essay, “Why Do We Fear the Blind?”, by author Rosemary Mahoney. Dan concludes with suggestions for how visually impaired individuals can help others feel more comfortable in their company.
“Our Amazing Eyes”
(mp4 format)
Dan Roberts encourages appreciation of our eyes for their astounding design and abilities. Lots of interesting and fun facts about the eyes are presented, including an explanation of how baseball players are able to hit fastballs.
Transcript
“Acting Blind”
(mp4 format)
(Edited from Episode #1707 of Eyes On Success)
Pursuing a career in the performing arts as a professional actor comes with a number of challenges whether one is blind or not. Even for the blind, however, these barriers are not insurmountable. Guest hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with George Ashiotis about his career and experiences as a blind actor and how he manages to live his dream.
“Selections from ‘Through Our Eyes'”
(mp4 format)
A reading of a small part of MD Support’s extensive collection of the most memorable messages, essays, and poems from two decades of sharing within the low vision community. Most of the readings may also be found in the free large print publication, “Through Our Eyes”, available from Living Well With Low Vision.
“The Blind Driver Challenge”
(Audio only. Edited from Episode #1703 of Eyes On Success)
Attitudes about what the blind can and cannot do have been challenged by the work of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute and their efforts to create a car that the blind can drive independently. Guest hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Mark Riccobono, President of the NFB, about this project and what it is like to drive a car without seeing.
“The Gift of Blindness”
(Audio only)
In his TEDxEuston presentation, blind songwriter and music producer Cobhams Asuquo delivers his inspirational thoughts on three lessons he has learned from blindness. The talk is followed by his performance of “There Are Angels All Around”.
“Learn About The Talking Books Library Service”
(Audio only. Edited from Episode #1749 of Eyes On Success)
Nancy and Peter Torpey interview Debbie McCloud, Director of the Colorado Talking Book Library, about their day-to-day operation and the services that are available through the National Library Service’s Talking Books program.
“Low Vision Optometrists Make Life Easier”
(mp4 format)
Edited from Episode #1725 of Eyes On Success).
There is no question that people with vision problems should be seen by an ophthalmologist to evaluate their condition. Low vision optometrists, on the other hand, aim to provide solutions to help in daily living. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with George Kornfeld, O.D., about aids and services that you might find beneficial.
“Nutrition: Separating Fact From Fiction”
Expert nutritionist Ellen Troyer, M.T., M.A. (Chief Research Officer, Biosyntrx, Inc.) sets the story straight about food and supplements for best eye health.
“Our Ears Deserve More Respect”
Dan Roberts encourages appreciation of the sense of hearing as an excellent substitute for vision. Lots of interesting and fun facts about the ears are presented.
“From Coping to Thriving With Vision Loss”
A discussion between Becky Andrews, LCMHC, FT and a small group of attendees at the 2016 VISIONS Conference sponsored by the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Her strong belief is that grief is a personal, unique journey through which we can transform and move with resilience. This journey is familiar to everyone who has experienced vision loss.
“Everybody Can Be An Advocate”
Dan Roberts discusses ways that patients can advocate for their needs with eye care professionals, other members of the blind and low vision community, family members and friends, and elected officials. By so doing, patients can not only offer a necessary gift to families and communities, but they can reap the pleasures of personal accomplishment and purpose.
Transcript
“Architect Doesn’t Let Blindness Stop Him”
Having gone blind, architect Chris Downey says he’s actually gotten better at his job. A social worker tried to tell him about “career alternatives”, but he wasn’t about to give up. This month’s presentation features a 12-minute interview with CBS reporter Lesley Stahl, specially edited for us from a January 2019 “60 Minutes” broadcast. The report is followed by discussion points for personal or group consideration.
“Correcting 10 Misconceptions About AMD”
Dan Roberts clears the air about common myths and misunderstandings that can lead us astray when dealing with low vision.
Transcript
“Stem Cell Treatment For AMD”
Presenter: Kevin McCormick (Communications Director at California Institute for Regenerative Medicine)
“Where Are We Now?”
Dan Roberts revisits headlines from 2006 to 2020 and discusses the amazing progress during that time.
“What’s New in Low Vision Technology?”
Update by Dan Roberts on latest devices, software, and applications, followed by a discussion of how low vision specialists can help patients utilize remaining vision to its fullest potential through technology.
Transcript
“Having Fun With Vision Loss”
Presenter: Neva Fairchild
Things we can do to make our lives more enjoyable, efficient, and effective in spite of vision loss. Recorded at VISIONS 2020: June 25-27, 2020.
“Mental Health: Coping with Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Related to Vision Loss”
Presenters:
Dr. Ann Wagner (Clinical Psychologist, Minneapolis VA Health Care System).
Erick Ringham (Editor, National Public Radio News and Minneapolis Star Tribune).
Recorded at VISIONS 2020: June 25-27, 2020.
“ADA Complementary Paratransit Basics”
Information from Easter Seals Project Action about alternative transportation for the visually impaired. Presenter: Kristi McLaughlin. Training and Technical Assistance Specialist.
“Crime Prevention and Personal Safety for the Blind and Visually Impaired”
Bobbi Moore provides tips for the visually impaired to increase confidence and the ability to handle themselves in a dangerous situation.
“Twenty Things Eye Doctors Probably Don’t Tell You (But Would Like You To Know)”
Sometimes doctors are better off just not saying anything, but here is what they could very well be thinking. Dan Roberts offers a revealing and often humorous peek into the minds of those who care for us.
Transcript
“Overcoming the Emotional Barrier of Blindness”
Best-selling author and international lecturer Michael Hingson demonstrates that overcoming the challenges and adversities of blindness is all about overcoming a misguided attitude about blindness. Michael makes his point by describing how he and his guide dog, Roselle, survived the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.
“All About Eyeglasses”
What do those abbreviations and numbers on the prescription mean? Why does your daughter have the same prescription as you, when your vision is so much worse? What does 20/20 mean? If your best vision without glasses is 20/200, are you legally blind? Should you wear tinted lenses? How do you know what kinds of sunglasses are best?
Transcript
“Seeing Red”
What makes us angry as visually impaired individuals? A brief introductory presentation by Dan Roberts is to be followed by a safe and non-judgmental opportunity for groups to blow off a little steam!
Transcript