Seminar: October 15, 2005

The third meeting of the Chicago SupportSight group sponsored by Illinois Retina Associates, S.C. and the MVRF attracted a lively audience of more than 100 people, many who had been to the first sessions of the series as well as newcomers. Held on October 15, Timothy Flood, M.D., presented a basic overview of macular degeneration, providing valuable background about the disease that is the leading cause of vision loss among people over the age of 50.

Pauline Merrill, M.D., talked about the role that vitamin therapy plays in the treatment of macular degeneration, followed by a discussion by Matthew MacCumber, M.D., Ph.D., who reviewed the newest research and treatments available. Since there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, the audience of laypeople, patients and caregivers responded enthusiastically to a presentation of the latest research and ongoing clinical trials.

Two patients talked about their personal experiences living with macular degeneration. Art Krause was able to relate his knowledge of the support services available to people living in the Chicago area, and his talk was inspiring. Mary Betty Roeder also spoke frankly and from her heart, and her positive attitude and humorous approach to dealing with her disease moved everyone in the audience.

Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF), the group that sponsored the seminar series, talked about the organization’s unique mission and operations. Dedicated to research for finding a cure for this disease and along the way, providing access to services that help people to cope with macular degeneration, the Foundation is unique in that 100 percent of every single dollar raised goes directly to research. All of the administrative costs of the Foundation are privately underwritten. Based outside of Philadelphia, MVRF conducts seminar series in 23 cities around the country.