Seminar: November 3, 2007

Residents of the South Jersey region were given an opportunity to learn about macular degeneration on November 3, thanks to a free, public seminar presented by Ophthalmic Subspecialty Consultants and the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF). Presented at the Barry Brown Health Education Center for the benefit of people with macular degeneration, as well as their families and friends, this event was well attended by an enthusiastic crowd that was eager for information.

Lea Bramnick, Executive Director, MVRF, explained that the mission of the MVRF is to fund research into the cause, prevention, treatment and ultimately the cure for macular degeneration. The work of the MVRF is aided by the fact that one hundred percent of all dollars raised go toward these goals, as the organization is entirely underwritten for all administrative expenses.

Jason Hsu, M.D. was on hand to discuss the very latest in research and treatment options for macular degeneration. The audience asked highly informed and intelligent questions.

The subject of friends and families and the important role they play in helping someone to deal with macular degeneration was discussed by Mary Betty Roeder. Her presentation, "Macular Degeneration – Diagnosis, Depression and Rising Above It" was very well received. Roeder concluded the session by taking questions from the audience.

She then transitioned into her second session presentation, in which she addressed the crowd to talk about her own experiences with macular degeneration and how living well with macular degeneration is absolutely possible.