International Low Vision Support Group

Purpose: To provide free information and support through presentations to groups of senior adults affected by macular degeneration and related retinal diseases. Print a flyer for printing and distribution to centers in your area (link opens new window).

Cost: Absolutely nothing (Yes, some things of value in this world are still free.)

Method: New audio/visual flash presentations are recorded and uploaded to our website each month, year-round.

Host: Macular Degeneration Support, a public supported nonprofit organization operating under Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)(3).

Moderators: Dan Roberts, Director, MD Support, and Edward J. Huggett, Jr., O.D., Low Vision Support, Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Sponsors:

Dan Roberts (MD Support) and
Liz Trauernicht (MD Foundation)

Presenters: Motivational speakers and leading experts in the fields of low vision care, research, low vision products, and rehabilitation.

Affiliates: Retirement centers, organizations, clinics, senior centers and libraries worldwide. View our growing list of affiliates. Read what they have to say (links open new windows).

Benefits of Affiliation:

Enjoy direct access to the presenters.
Receive an online Facilitator's Kit with step-by-step instructions for organizing and running a successful support group.
Receive a free Starter Kit in the mail containing useful items for each of your members, plus a copy of the book The First Year: Age-Related Macular Degeneration and other educational materials for your library. View the contents (link opens new window).
Receive access to all past newsletters and presentations for viewing or listening, either on or off line.
Get immediate answers to questions through personal email contact with the director.
Receive monthly planning materials, including:
- Descriptions of upcoming sessions
- Meeting reminders
- Promotional flyer and press release
- ILVSG large-print newsletter with special features,updates on research and developments, and handouts for upcoming sessions.
- Live technical support

Affiliates are groups of all sizes facilitated by staff members and volunteers at each location. No fees or other obligations are required for participation in this program, and affiliation may be cancelled at any time.

(Link opens new window)

Mini-Presentations

Brief Flash format presentations for low vision individuals or groups seeking to understand causes, symptoms and treatment of common eye conditions.

"Age-Related Macular Degeneration" (10:37)
View online | Download MP3

"Cataract Surgery" (8:20)
View online | Download MP3

"Diabetic Retinopathy" (10:18)
View online | Download MP3

"Dry Eye" (6:35)
View online | Download MP3

"Eyelid Problems" (10:50)
View online | Download MP3

"Floaters and Flashes" (4:32)
View online | Download MP3

"Glaucoma" (7:00)
View online | Download MP3

"How The Eye Works" (9:10)
View online | Download MP3

"Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation" (10:30)
View online | Download MP3

Schedule of Presentations
2012

(Presented by MD Support Director Dan Roberts
unless otherwise noted.)

View past presentations: 2006-2011

January	"Looking Past Limits" Motivational speech by low vision activist Caroline Casey (Founding CEO, Aisling Foundation), originally produced by TED Talks. ILVSG version available to affiliates only by selecting this link.
February	"Monitoring Your Own Vision" Discussion of the importance of self-monitoring between exams, including descriptions of home tests available. Guest presenter: Mark Roser (KeepSight Testing & Monitoring Solutions) View online \| Download MP3
March	"Helping Others Understand" Suggestions of ways to increase understanding of visual impairment by family members, friends, and care givers. View online \| Download MP3
April	"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. ILVSG version available to affiliates only by selecting this link.
May	"How Much Do You Know About Your Eyes?" The first in a series of three fun and educational quiz games hosted by Ed Huggett, O.D. and ILVSG Director Dan Roberts. View online \| Download MP3
June	"Summary of Research 2012" A wrap up of all news-making eye-related research and developments during the past 12 months. View online \| Download MP3
July	"How Much Do You Know About Health and Nutrition?" The second in a series of three fun and educational quiz games hosted by Ed Huggett, O.D. and ILVSG Director Dan Roberts. View online \| Download MP3
August	"How Much Do You Know About DocSpeak?" The third in a series of three fun and educational quiz games hosted by Ed Huggett, O.D. and ILVSG Director Dan Roberts. View online \| Download MP3
September	"What's So Funny About Low Vision?" Humorous jokes and anecdotes about life with visual impairment, as contributed by members of the low vision community. View online \| Download MP3

(Additional programs will be added as they are scheduled.)