International Macular Degeneration Support Group

International Macular Degeneration
Support Group

An Outreach Program of
Macular Degeneration Support, Inc.

The macular degeneration worldwide community: carrying the word to millions

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(Members only)

Register for Affiliation

Schedule of Presentations

About the Program

(Listen to audio description)

Purpose: To provide free information and support through presentations to groups of senior adults affected by macular degeneration and related retinal diseases. Print a flyer for printing and distribution to centers in your area (link opens new window).

Cost: Absolutely nothing (Yes, some things of value in this world are still free.)

photo of Dan Roberts in studio

Method: Live presentations are simulcast to central computers at each affiliate's location on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 3:00-4:00 PM (Central Time), year-round. Groups unable to attend live webcasts may access the recordings from the Internet later at their convenience. Read the technical requirements for attending live webcasts.

Host: Macular Degeneration Support, a public supported nonprofit organization operating under Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)(3).

Moderators: Edward J. Huggett, Jr., O.D., Chief of Low Vision Services, St. Luke's Cataract and Laser Institute, Tarpon Springs, Florida, and Dan Roberts, Director, MD Support.

Financial Sponsors:

Presenters: Leading experts in the fields of low vision care, research, low vision products, and rehabilitation.

Affiliates: Retirement centers, organizations, clinics, senior centers and libraries worldwide. View our growing list of affiliates. Read what they have to say (links open new windows).

Benefits of Affiliation:

Attend live webcast sessions for direct contact with the presenters.
Receive an online Facilitator's Kit with step-by-step instructions for organizing and running a successful support group.
Receive a free Starter Kit in the mail containing useful items for each of your members, plus a copy of the book The First Year: Age-Related Macular Degeneration and other educational materials for your library. View the contents (link opens new window).
Receive access to all past newsletters and presentations for viewing or listening, either on or off line.
Get immediate answers to questions through personal email contact with the director.
Receive monthly planning materials, including:
- Descriptions of upcoming sessions
- Meeting reminders
- Promotional flyer and press release
- Technical support
- IMDSG large-print newsletter with special features and monthly updates on research and developments

Affiliates are groups of all sizes facilitated by staff members and volunteers at each location. No fees or other obligations are required for participation in this program, and affiliation may be cancelled at any time.

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Schedule of Presentations
2009

(View past presentations)

Jan. 8

"Reclaiming Independence--Staying in the Driver's Seat When You No Longer Drive."

Presenter: L. Penny Rosenblum, Ph.D. (University of Arizona)

View online | Download MP3

photo of Penny Rosenblum

Penny Rosenblum

Feb. 12

"Body Weight and Eye Disease."

Presenter: Ellen Troyer, M.T., M.A. (Chief Research Officer, Biosyntrx, Inc.)

View online | Download MP3

Photo of Ellen Troyer

Ellen Troyer

Mar. 12

"Learning Nonvisual Skills--Part One: Using a Cane"

Presenter: Robert Massof, Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)

View online | Download MP3

Photo of Robert Massof

Robert Massof

Apr. 9

"Current Thinking in the Prevention of AMD."

Presenter: Dan Roberts (Director, MD Support)

View online | Download MP3

Photo of Dan Roberts

Dan Roberts

May 14

"Crashing Through--Making the Most of Life in the Face of Adversity."

Presenter: Michael May (President & CEO, Sendero Group, LLC)

View online | Download MP3

Photo of Michael May

Michael May

June 11

"The Latest in Research and Treatment."

Presenter: Dan Roberts (Director, MD Support)

View online | Download MP3

Photo of Dan Roberts

Dan Roberts

July 9

"The Aging Brain--Memory as a Substitute for Vision."

Presenter: Colleen O'Donnell (Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center, Henry Ford Health System)

Photo of Colleen O'Donnell

Colleen O'Donnell

Aug. 13

"You Don't Need a Computer to See"

Presenter: Michael Fischer, O.D., F.A.A.O. (Chief of Optometry Services, VA Medical Center, Northport NY)

Photo not yet available

Sept. 10

"Celebrating Successes: AMD Week 2009"

Panel: Officers and members of AMD Alliance International

Oct. 8

"A Look at the Future"

Presenter: Gislin Dagnelie, Ph.D. (Lions Vision Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University)

Photo of Gislin Dagnelie

Gislin Dagnelie, Ph.D.

Nov. 12

"Gene Replacement Therapy"

Presenter: TBA

Photo not yet available

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