Seminar: June 4, 2005

Retina Associates of Cleveland worked with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) to present a free seminar on age related macular degeneration, the seventh in an ongoing series. The series, called SupportSight, started in Cleveland in 2003 and MVRF has since partnered with practices in nearly twenty cities to replicate the program, bringing valuable information to patients all over the country.

On June 4, a large crowd gathered at Solon Cinemas to hear Lawrence J. Singerman, M.D., Retina Associates of Cleveland, review the latest information, research and treatments for macular degeneration, a disease that is the leading cause of adult vision loss. Lea S. Bramnick, executive director of MVRF also welcomed the crowd, and provided background information on the organization and its unique mission, which uses one hundred percent of every dollar raised toward research, as all administrative costs are underwritten.

Following Dr. Singerman, Scott D. Pendergast, M.D., Retina Associates of Cleveland, revealed the theories behind the genetics of macular degeneration, answering questions about the possible hereditary link to the disease.

Lastly, Bonnie Niebuhr, a registered nurse who's mother has macular degeneration, provided a very insightful talk titled "Laughing through the darkness," a look at coping using practical applications for low vision as well as maintaining sanity and outlook through humor. Ms. Niebuhr provided a very positive tone that left the audience feeling good about the meeting.