Seminar: October 11, 2003

Hundreds Attend Free Seminar on Services for the Visually Impaired

Retina and Vitreous Associates of Kentucky teamed up with the Macula Vision Research Foundation to put on a free seminar for Lexington area seniors coping with macular degeneration. This meeting was the second in a series of information sessions and more than 200 people attended at the Hamburg Pavilion.

The seminar focused on services available for visually impaired people in the Lexington area, and speakers included Rick Isernhagen, M.D. and Jeanne Van Arsdall, B.A., COA, Low Vision Specialist from Retina and Vitreous Associates of Kentucky, as well as two patients, Peggy Harp and Richard Hobdy who gave inspiring presentations about their experiences living with macular degeneration.

Speakers at the Meeting
Dr. Isernhagen discussed clinical trials for macular degeneration. Jeanne Van Arsdall, Low Vision Specialist, discussed low vision services and adaptive aids. Michael Young discussed transportation services. Peggy Harp and Richard Hobdy talked about how to live with macular degeneration. They live full lives and interesting lives, participating and contributing in many community and social activities with friends and family. Peggy Harp said whenever she has to do something, she thinks "I haven't learned to do it the new way yet, but I will" and then she goes forward.