You may be familiar with Albinism, a genetic condition that affects the skin and hair, making them extremely light colored or white. However, ocular albinism is a different type of the genetic mutation that affects the eyes. It creates low vision and that is why it is of special concern to us. We work with patients who have ocular albinism and provide them with the medical devices necessary to enhance low vision and the
Guest Post Written By: Dr. Alan Mendelsohn
As a South Florida ophthalmologist for the last 30 years, I can tell you that macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in the United States in those 50 years of age and older. Unfortunately, despite the advent of new medications and technologies, the incidence of macular degeneration continues to rise. The key goal of eye physicians and their patients is to prevent, or at
We recently traveled to Florida to tour the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital – truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was the singular opportunity to be immersed in a flight-based hospital, filled with extraordinary physician and nurse volunteers. The Orbis team is dedicated to restoring vision in communities around the world and training local teams to conduct vision saving surgeries and treatments. We got a first hand look at this non-profit’s
Last year one of our executives was asked to join the board of directors of the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) – Baltimore Chapter to support them in their work raising funds for retinal disease research. We consider it an honor and a privilege to serve the mission of the FFB, which is to “raise funds that drive the research to find cures, treatments and prevention's for inherited retinal diseases that lead to blindness”
Three million people in the United States have glaucoma. Globally, it is the second leading cause of blindness. The frightening thing about glaucoma is that only half of those with the disease know they have it. In the early stages, glaucoma is “silent” without obvious signs or symptoms until vision is lost. That’s why becoming educated about the disease is so important. Information can lead to early treatment, and while there is no cure
On Season Three of MasterChef, judges Chef Gordon Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich and Chef Graham Elliot determined that home cook Christine Ha was the very best of 30,000 contestants. They named her Winner of MasterChef 2012 and in the process, gave her a platform on which to advocate for the legally blind. A chef who is blind? Yes, Christine is legally blind as evidenced by her self-appointed web address, social media tag
February is national age related macular degeneration (AMD) and low vision awareness month. National months of recognition are important because they call attention to important health issues like AMD and increase knowledge of prevention and treatment. Although there is no cure for AMD, there are ways to reduce your risk for it having the right information is essential. When it comes to low vision caused by AMD, there is exciting and innovative technology available
Glenda is traveling through South Africa with specially designed low vision glasses that have literally opened her eyes, enhancing her vision and allowing her to see friends, family and the lush beauty of her beloved continent. You can share her journey and experience what it is like to truly see every day for the first time in a very long time. Glenda is writing about her adventures through daily blog posts, from the long