Seminar: September 13, 2003
First Meeting of the MVRF SupportSight of Chicago
Illinois Retina Associates, The Retina Center and the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) conducted SupportSight, the first-ever national series of support group seminars for patients suffering from macular degeneration and their families in the Chicago area on September 13. The event was attended by more than 400 people and was held in the Marcus Theater in Orland Park.
Program
Serge de Bustros, M.D., Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center and also of Chicago's Illinois Retina Associates discussed:
- What is Macular degeneration?
David Orth, M.D. Professor of Ophthalmology at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center and also of Chicago’s Illinois Retina Associates at discussed:
- Treatments for Age-related Macular degeneration
Alexander J. Brucker, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania Scheie Eye Institute discussed:
- Update of Vitamin Therapy for Age-related Macular degeneration.
Mary Betty Roeder, an 81 year-old legally blind macular degeneration patient from West Chester, Pennsylvania discussed:
- Living with Macular degeneration — Coping Mechanisms
Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director, Macula Vision Research Foundation discussed the Foundation and its history and commitment to research and support for those with macular degeneration.
A lively and informative question and answer session followed each speaker’s presentation.
Age-related Macular degenerationAge-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in American adults over 60, but the nearly 15 million people affected are often reluctant to discuss their condition or ask for help. There is a great need to raise awareness about macular degeneration - to bring this condition to the public eye.
Support Group ResearchHealthcare research has shown that support groups can be very helpful to people who suffer from diseases such as macular degeneration. " Seminars like SupportSight provide an opportunity for people with similar concerns and problems to share solutions and suggestions. There is no better coping mechanism than enlisting the support of others in the same situation,” said David Orth, M.D., F.A.C.S., Professor of Ophthalmology, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Macular DegenerationMacular degeneration causes deterioration of the macula, resulting in the loss of sharp central vision. An impaired macula prevents a person from clearly seeing objects straight ahead, such as words on a page, television, or the faces of loved ones. At its worst, sufferers of macular degeneration have only limited peripheral vision.
Currently, there is no cure, but there are treatments available and more in development that work to halt the progression of the disease. “A lot of resources are being funneled into various aspects of macular degeneration and positive results are benefiting patients and their families,” said Serge de Bustros, M.D., Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Macula Vision Research FoundationThe Macula Vision Research Foundation gives 100 percent of every dollar raised to research and public education programs, as the administrative costs of the Foundation are underwritten. It has been estimated that with seven adults turning 50 every minute, macular degeneration may become the disease of the 21st century — by 2025, more than 23 million adults are expected to be diagnosed. Although there is no known cure, recent progress in research provides great hope for future discoveries into the cause, prevention, treatment, and ultimately the cure for macular degeneration.
"I was shocked at how little people knew about this issue, which is becoming an epidemic with the growth of the aging population," said Herbert Lotman, Founder, Macula Vision Research Foundation. "This organization was founded to find the cure for this disease and to save the sight of the millions affected. This can and will be done, but only through fundraising support for critical research, some of which is discussed at these seminars. We are also aware of the great need for support for patients with macular degeneration and their families."