Audio/Visual Library
Presentations for viewing and listening
- Diet and Nutrition
- Low Vision Devices and Technology
- Low Vision Rehabilitation
- Motivational Talks
- Practical Living
- Research and Treatment
Diet and Nutrition
“Nutrition: Separating Fact From Fiction”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Dec 2009)
(mp3 format/Time=54:52)
A presentation by Ellen Troyer, MT MA
“Taking Care of the Future You”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Nov 2016)
(mp4 format/Time=20 min)
Ellen Troyer returns with her annual presentation to the people in our Low Vision Community. This time it’s all about the importance of preparing for a future of personal independence, comfort, and good health.
“What You See Is What You Eat”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Sep 2008)
(mp3 format/Time=45:34)
A comprehensive discussion of nutrition and AMD presented by Lylas G. Mogk, M.D., Director, Visual Rehabilitation & Research Center, Henry Ford Health System, Michigan.
Low Vision Devices and Technology
“Riding the Wave of Evolving Technology”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Apr 2014)
(mp3 format/Time=20:00)
New technology combined with blindness skills can replace eyesight in up to 99% of normal daily living activities. Featuring “Sarah’s Day” in her own words.
Low Vision Rehabilitation
“Head, Heart, and Eyes”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jan 2011)
(mp3 format/Time=21:46)
R. Tracy Williams, OD, FAAO (Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, Wheaton, IL) discusses his highly successful approach to low vision rehabilitation of the total person.
“Can Low Vision Rehabilitation Help?”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Oct 2012)
(mp3 format/Time=30:04)
Author and Low Vision Specialist Leslie Burkhardt, MSLVT, discusses how low vision rehabilitation educates about vision loss, and how it helps maximize remaining eyesight. Ms Burkhardt’s free “Visual Skills Workbook” is available here.
“Learning to Live with Low Vision: One Man’s Journey Through Rehabilitation”
(mp4 format/Time=38:00)
Follow one patient through every step of low vision rehabilitation training, from evaluation through home visitation. Produced by Macular Degeneration Support. Also available as a photo essay in PDF.
“Limited Vision…Unlimited Potential”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Nov 2012)
(mp3 format/Time=28:00)
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.
“The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist: Your Advocate for Independence”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Mar 2017)
(mp4 format/Time=20:00)
Ed Haines from the Hadley Institute talks about the services of one of the most important professionals in the low vision team.
Motivational Talks
“Adventures in Darkness”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Nov 2008)
(mp3 format/Time=57:21)
A highly inspirational hour with Tom Sullivan (actor, singer, entertainer, author, producer)
“Correcting Misconceptions About AMD”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jan 2020)
(Mp3 format/Time=20:00)
Dan Roberts clears the air about common myths and misunderstandings that can lead us astray when dealing with low vision.
“Everybody Can Be An Advocate”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Mar 2019)
(Mp3 format/Time=20 min)
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.
“Don’t Wait For Luck”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Oct 2017)
(mp4 format/Time=26:29)
Motivational speaker Paul Appleyard tells his inspirational story about how he became a World Champion Blind Golfer.
“Hidden Thoughts of the Visually Impaired”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Feb 2017)
(mp4 format/Time=15:28)
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 available here.
“Reclaiming Independence: Staying in the Driver’s Seat When You No Longer Drive”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jan 2009)
(mp3 format/Time=32:07)
A presentation by L. Penny Rosenblum, Ph.D. (University of Arizona)
“Seeing Lessons”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Nov 2010)
(mp3 format/Time=57:20)
Conversation between Dan Roberts (MD Support Director) and Tom Sullivan (blind entertainer, author, actor and athlete) with audio clips of stories and songs from his one-man show.
“Selections from ‘Through Our Eyes'”
International Low Vision Support Group session (March 2018)
(mp4 format/Time=26:00)
Readings of selected essays, poetry, and messages shared over two decades by the MD Support Community. The book, “Through Our Eyes” is available at no cost from Living Well With Low Vision.
“Spirituality Can Help”
International Low Vision Support Group session (May 2011)
(Time=21:00)
Presenter Colleen O’Donnell is a leading certified low vision therapist who advocates nurturing the spiritual side as a strong source of support for many people.
“The Monster Behind The Door”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Feb 2014)
(mp3 format/Time=21:41)
Dan Roberts (Director, MD Support) discusses how conquering our fear of the unknown can open doors of opportunity.
“What’s Your Story?”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jul 2011)
(Time=25:00)
Featuring the portraits of Adam Hahn. Interviews with low vision individuals provided by AMD Alliance International.
“What’s So Funny About Low Vision?”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Sep 2012)
(Time=20:00)
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
“With The Heart One Sees Rightly”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Nov 2006)
(mp3 format/Time=27:04)
A discussion with Lylas G. Mogk, M.D. and Marja Mogk, Ph.D., authors of Macular Degeneration:The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight.
“Your Amazing Eyes”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jan 2018)
(Mp4 format/Time=20:00)
Dan Roberts encourages appreciation for 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.
Practical Living
“All About Glasses”
International Low Vision Support Group session (April 2015)
(Movie Format/Time=23:00)
Dan Roberts (MD Support Director) explains prescription numbers, types of eyeglasses, how visual acuity is measured, and how to choose the right sunglasses. Four different eye tests are provided for self-monitoring between exams. Download Eye Tests
“The Challenges of Multiple Age-Related Disabilities”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jan 2008)
(mp3 format/Time=32:00)
Mary Warren, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA (Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham) discusses the challenges faced by the aging senior adult. The focus is particularly on memory and cognition, issues that are closely related to living with vision loss.
“Helping Others Understand”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Mar 2012)
(mp3 format/Time=14:00)
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.
“Keeping Fit: Fall Prevention and Exercise for Older Adults With Vision Loss”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Aug 2011)
(mp3 format/Time=21:07)
Low vision rehabilitation therapist Anne Riddering discusses ways to avoid falling and how senior adults with low vision can improve their health through simple and effective exercise. This is important information that patients and caregivers alike should have.
“Memory as a Substitute for Vision: The Aging Brain”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jul 2009)
(mp3 format/Time=23:59)
A presentation by Colleen O’Donnell, MSA, OTR, CLVT (Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan)
“Our Ears Deserve More Respect”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jan 2019)
(Mp3 format/Time=20:00)
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.
“Successful Self-Management”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Oct 2007)
(mp3 format/Time=28:42)
Presentation by Lynne Noon, O.D. on how to manage your own continuum of care and be an effective partner in your treatment and rehabilitation.
“The T.A.S.K. of Living With Central Vision Loss”
International Low Vision Support Group session (May 2006)
(mp3 format/Time=21:00)
Presentation by Dan Roberts, MD Support Director, about four effective strategies for living successfully with visual impairment: Tenacity, Adaptability, Support, and Knowledge.
“Travel Without Trouble (In Spite of Low Vision)”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jul 2008)
(Time=28:00)
Important tips from Dan Roberts, MD Support Director, about how to travel with safety and confidence.
“Twenty Things Eye Doctors Probably Don’t Tell You (But Would Like You To Know)”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jul 2014)
(mp3 format/Time=18:00)
A revealing peek into the minds of the professionals who care for us.
“Navigating Everyday Tasks With Less Stress”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Apr 2010)
(mp3 format/Time=38:25)
A presentation by low vision rehabilitation therapist Anita Arakawa, M.A. (West Los Angeles V.A. Medical Center)
“Understanding Drug Side Effects and Adverse Events”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jul 2013)
(mp3 format/Time=27:00)
MD Support Director Dan Roberts explains what patients should and should not be concerned about when undergoing drug treatment.
“What’s So Scary About Blind People?”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Nov 2017)
(mp3 audio format/Time=20:00)
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.
Research and Treatment
“The ABCs of Macular Degeneration”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Mar 2006)
(mp3 format/Time=15:30)
Answers to the initial questions asked by a newly-diagnosed patient: 1) What is macular degeneration? 2) What are they doing about it? 3) What can I do to maintain my quality of life? This presentation includes material from the article, “What Is Macular Degeneration?”.
“Hallucinations and Low Vision–Understanding Charles Bonnet Syndrome”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Oct 2011)
(mp3 format/Time=26:14)
Liz Trauernicht (MD Foundation) presents Oliver Sacks, MD, and Marjorie Louer, retired educator, discussing the causes and effects of Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
“Hearing and Vision Loss”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Aug 2008)
(mp3 format/Time=35:00)
A discussion by audiologist Helen J. Simon, Ph.D. on the co-modalities of hearing loss and visual impairment.
“AMD Does Not Cause Blindness”
A presentation by Dan Roberts, MD Support Director, in which the terminology is discussed and clarified.
“Summary of Research and Development–2011”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jun 2011)
(mp3 format/Time=20:00)
A condensation for the layperson by MD Support director Dan Roberts of developments in the field of AMD from June 2010 through May 2011.
“Summary of Research–2012”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jun 2012)
(mp3 format/Time=20:00)
A condensation for the layperson by MD Support director Dan Roberts of developments in the field of AMD from June 2011 through May 2012. Download the script in PDF format.
“Summary of Research–2013”
International Low Vision Support Group session (June 2013)
(mp3 format/Time=31:00)
A condensation for the layperson by MD Support director Dan Roberts of developments in the field of AMD from June 2012 through May 2013. Download the script in PDF format.
“Summary of Research–2014”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jun 2014)
(mp3 format/Time=38:19)
A condensation for the layperson by MD Support director Dan Roberts of developments in the field of AMD from June 2013 through May 2014. Read the text online.
“Summary of Research–2015”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jun 2015)
(Mp4 format/Time=34:31)
A condensation for the layperson by MD Support director Dan Roberts of developments in the field of AMD from June 2014 through May 2015. Read the text online.
“Summary of Research–2016”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jun 2016)
(Mp4 format/Time=50:52)
A condensation for the layperson by MD Support director Dan Roberts of developments in the field of AMD from June 2015 through May 2016.
Read the text online.
Download the script in PDF format.
“Summary of Research & Developments–2017”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jun 2017)
(Mp4 format/Time=39:00)
Dan Roberts takes a look at important news during the past 12 months.
“Summary of Research & Developments–2018”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jun 2018)
(Mp4 format/Time=21:00)
Dan Roberts reviews important news during the past 12 months and takes a look at the future.
“Summary of Research & Developments–2019”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Jun 2019)
(Mp3 format/Time=25:00)
Dan Roberts reviews important news during the past 12 months and takes a look at the future.
“Where Are We Now?”
International Low Vision Support Group session (Apr 2020)
(MP3 format/Time=26:00)
A summary of the past quarter-century of research and development. Presenter: Dan Roberts
Photo Essays
Unique photo essays offering both information and inspiration for people who are affected by retinal degenerative diseases.
Some essays are in PDF format, requiring Acrobat Reader to view.
“Finding My Stride”
Sixteen-year-old Kimber Lee Empson has grown up with Stargardt disease. In this photo essay, she relates her feelings, her relationship with family and peers, her schooling, her successes and failures, and her strong desire to rise above what others might see as a disability.
This is a must-read for all family members, educators, physicians, counselors, and other acquaintances of visually impaired children and teens– and especially for those who share Kimber’s world of low vision.
“Macular Degeneration: The Inside Story”
A look at macular degeneration’s causes, effects, and current treatments. Be sure to view all three parts. (2006)
“The T.A.S.K. of Living With Central Vision Loss”
Four effective strategies for living successfully with visual impairment: Tenacity, Adaptability, Support, and Knowledge. (2006)
Also available as:
Audio Presentation
International Low Vision Support Group session
(mp3 format/Time=21:00)
“Learning To Live With Low Vision”
A journey through low vision rehabilitation. Follow one patient through every step of training, from evaluation through home visitation. (2007)
Also available in movie (mp4) format
(Time=38:00)