Seminar: February 24, 2007

On February 24, Retina Associates Southwest, in partnership with the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) presented a free seminar highlighting recent exciting and life changing research into prevention and treatment of macular degeneration.

Introducing the seminar was Lea S. Bramnick, Executive Director of MVRF, an organization based near Philadelphia whose mission is to fund research into the cause, prevention, treatment, and ultimately the cure for macular degeneration is aided by the fact that one hundred percent of all dollars raised go toward this goal, as the organization is entirely underwritten for all administrative expenses.

Ms. Bramnick introduced Drs. April Harris and Egbert Saavedra, who explained the current research updates to the eager audience.

Then, husband and wife team Janet Dylla and Thomas Northrup, who happened to be celebrating their 20th anniversary that day, gave an extraordinary presentation about the roles of friends and families when dealing with macular degeneration. Ms. Dylla, in her role as COT (Certified Ophthalmic Technician) at Desert Low Vision Services, discussed how she is best able to support her husband, who is visually impaired, and also shared information from her background in low vision services.

Mr. Northrup then spoke further about how he copes with his own macular degeneration, and shared his thoughts and tips on ways to manage and continue to live independently and well with the condition.