Audio/Visual Library

Free MD Support productions
for individuals and groups

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Diet and Nutrition

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"Aging, Inflammation, and Antioxidants"

Ellen Troyer, MT MA (CEO and Chief Research Officer, Biosyntrx Nutraceuticals) presents new research about how the aging process can be slowed in seniors through diet and nutrition.

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"Body Weight and Eye Disease"

Ellen Troyer, MT MA, provides latest information about obesity as a risk factor for AMD, including helpful advice on maintaining a proper diet.

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"Holiday Nutrition Magic"

Ellen Troyer, MT MA and Sandra Young, OD bring new information about nutrition, plus some tasty, eye healthy recipes for the holidays.

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"Nutrition for Healthy Eyes"

A presentation by Ellen Troyer, MT MA

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"Nutrition: Separating Fact From Fiction"

A presentation by Ellen Troyer, MT MA

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"Super Foods for 2011"

Ellen Troyer, MT MA answers the questions, "Why do we care about super foods? What are they, and what can they do for the eyes?"

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"Preventing Type 2 Diabetes"

Susan Mills-Gray (University of Missouri Extension) offers valuable information and advice on preventing potential vision loss secondary to Type 2 diabetes.

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"Smart Medicine For Your Eyes"

A complete and comprehensive summary by Jeffrey Anshel, OD, FAAO (President, Ocular Nutrition Society) of all current information on the subject of nutrition for the eyes and for good health in general.

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"What You See Is What You Eat"

A comprehensive discussion of nutrition and AMD presented by Lylas G. Mogk, M.D., Director, Visual Rehabilitation & Research Cetner, Henry Ford Health System, Michigan.

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Low Vision Devices and Technology

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"Focus on Lighting"

Information about task and ambient lighting in the home presented by Charles Schwartz, M.S., low vision product specialist.

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"Facing Technophobia"

Dorrie Rush (Lighthouse International) offers advice on how to ease fear of new low vision technology.

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

The first is a series of presentations on using sight substitution techniques and devices. This session by Robert W. Massof, Ph.D., introduces the reasons for, and benefits of, cane use by the visually impaired.

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"New Technology for People With Low Vision"

An update by Ike Presley (American Foundation for the Blind) on current devices and software.

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"Senior EZ Livin'"

A presentation by Charles Schwartz, low vision product support specialist, on "tricks and tips" for easier living, with focus on available assistive devices.

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"You Don't Need a Computer to See--Video and Adaptive Technology for the Low Vision Patient"

Michael Fischer, O.D. describes assistive devices available for low vision people who do not have computer access.

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Low Vision Rehabilitation

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"A Look at the Future: Low Vision Rehabilitation"

Gislin Dagnelie, Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University) predicts future development of vision measurement techniques, low vision devices, and retinal prostheses.

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"Can Low Vision Rehabilitation Help?"

Author and Low Vision Specialist Leslie Burkhardt, MSLVT, discusses how low vision rehabilitation educates about vision loss, and how it helps maximize remaining eyesight. Ms Burkhardt's free "Visual Skills Workbook" is available in the MD Support Publications Library.

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"Crossing the Line From Visual to Nonvisual Skills"

An interview with O&M Instructor Maurice Peret about making the transition from visual to nonvisual approaches to activities of daily living.

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"Head, Heart, and Eyes"

R. Tracy Williams, OD, FAAO, and Leah Gerlach, M.S., C.R.C. (Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, Wheaton, IL) discuss their highly successful approach to low vision rehabilitation of the total person.

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"Learning to Live with Low Vision: A Journey Through Rehabilitation"

Follow one patient through every step of training, from evaluation through home visitation. Presented by Dan Roberts, MD Support Director, with professional actor Richard C. Brown.

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"Limited Vision...Unlimited Potential"

Tracy Williams, O.D., F.A.A.O. and Gregg Pusateri, O.D., M.Div. (Spectrios Institute, Wheaton IL) answer questions posed by ILVSG Director Dan Roberts about the importance of low vision rehabilitation to a person's psychological and spiritual well-being.

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"The Latest in Low Vision Rehabilitation"

Bruce Rosenthal, O.D. (Lighthouse International), reveals what's new in the field of low vision rehabilitation.

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"What Is Low Vision Rehabilitation?"

A thorough overview of one of the most important steps in the continuum of care following diagnosis of visual impairment. Presented by Orli Weisser-Pike, OTR/L, CLVT, SCLV, a leader in the field of low vision rehabilitation.

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Motivational Talks

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"Adventures in Darkness"

A highly inspirational hour with Tom Sullivan (actor, singer, entertainer, author, producer)

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"AMD Public Service Announcement" (On YouTube)

A mother tells her young daughter about Grandma's visual impairment. An inspirational message for people affected by AMD and other sight-robbing diseases.

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

Michael May, the subject of the book, "Crashing Through," regained vision after 43 years of total blindness. He discusses his philosophy of life and describes how his company's global positioning system is helping blind people get around.

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"Emotion and Adjustment"

Julia Kleinschmidt, Ph.D. (Moran Eye Center, Utah) helps us understand why we sometimes feel the way we do, and how we might make the necessary adjustments.

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"Issues With Low Vision"

McDonald Curran introduces AMD Alliance International and the Macular Disease Society, and talks about his life since diagnosis with wet AMD.

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"Seeing Lessons"

Conversation between Dan Roberts (MD Support Director) and Tom Sullivan (blind entertainer, author, actor and athlete) with audio clips of stories and songs from his one-man show.

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"Spirituality Can Help"

Presenter Colleen O’Donnell is a leading certified low vision therapist who advocates nurturing the spiritual side as a strong source of support for many people.

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"Straight Talk About Copability"

A presentation by Mary Jay Clough, ACSW, and Roy Cole, O.D. from the Jewish Guild for the Blind in New York City.

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

A presentation by L. Penny Rosenblum, Ph.D. (University of Arizona)

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"Maintaining Your Quality of Life"

A presentation by Michael Epp (Envision Rehabilitation Center, Wichita, Kansas)

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"What's Your Story?"

Featuring the portraits of Adam Hahn. Interviews with low vision individuals provided by AMD Alliance International.

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"Who Am I and What Am I Doing Here?"

A chat with Dan Roberts (MD Support Director) about the patient's role in the continuum of care.

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"With The Heart One Sees Rightly"

A discussion with Lylas G. Mogk, M.D. and Marja Mogk, Ph.D., authors of Macular Degeneration:The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight.

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Practical Living

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"Aging Successfully with Vision Loss: Creative Pursuits and Leisure Activities"

A presentation by Colleen O'Donnell, MSA, OTR, CLVT and Mary Ellen Daniel, MSA, OTR, CLVT (Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit MI)

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"Artificial Lighting and the Blue Light Hazard"

What is light? What are the different types of lamps? How can full spectrum lighting hurt the retina? This highly-in formative presentation includes results from a survey of the full spectrum lighting market and a comparison of five sample lamps. Content was based upon the research paper, "Artificial Lighting and the Blue Light Hazard."

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"Blocking the Blue"

Could blue light exposure during routine dilated eye exams be causing or contributing to the development of AMD? Patricia Hawse presents her theory.

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"The Challenges of Multiple Age-Related Disabilities"

Mary Warren, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA (Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham) discusses the challenges faced by the aging senior adult. The focus is particularly on memory and cognition, issues that are closely related to living with vision loss.

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"Cooking Without Looking"

Helpful hints for cooking with low vision, including a demonstration recipe, presented by Renee Rentmeester, producer, and Sabrina Deaton, host of the "Cooking Without Looking" PBS TV show.

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"Helping Others Understand"

Suggestions of ways to increase understanding of visual impairment by family members, friends, and care givers. Free companion booklet, "Caring for the Visually Impaired", available here.

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"Keeping Fit: Fall Prevention and Exercise for Older Adults With Vision Loss"

Low vision rehabilitation therapist Anne Riddering discusses ways to avoid falling and how senior adults with low vision can improve their health through simple and effective exercise. This is important information that patients and caregivers alike should have.

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"Memory as a Substitute for Vision: The Aging Brain"

A presentation by Colleen O'Donnell, MSA, OTR, CLVT (Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan)

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"Self-Monitoring Your Vision"

Discussion of the importance of self-monitoring between exams, including descriptions of home tests available. Presenters: Dan Roberts (Director, MD Support) and Mark Roser (KeepSight Testing & Monitoring Solutions)

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"Setting Up A Computer For Users With Low Vision"

A presentation by Azhar Karim emphasizing that legally blind people can make a computer accessible without purchasing extra software. Recommended for low vision Windows users who are already familiar with basic computer operation.

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"Successful Self-Management"

Presentation by Lynne Noon, O.D. on how to manage your own continuum of care and be an effective partner in your treatment and rehabilitation.

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"The T.A.S.K. of Living With Central Vision Loss"

Presentation by Dan Roberts, MD Support Director, about four effective strategies for living successfully with visual impairment: Tenacity, Adaptability, Support, and Knowledge.

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"Travel Without Trouble (In Spite of Low Vision)"

Important tips from Dan Roberts, MD Support Director, about how to travel with safety and confidence.

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"Navigating Everyday Tasks With Less Stress"

A presentation by low vision rehabilitation therapist Anita Arakawa, M.A. (West Los Angeles V.A. Medical Center)

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Research and Treatment

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"The ABCs of Macular Degeneration"

Answers to the initial questions asked by a newly-diagnosed patient: 1) What is macular degeneration? 2) What are they doing about it? 3) What can I do to maintain my quality of life? This presentation includes material from the article, "What Is Macular Degeneration?" and the video "Macular Degeneration: The Inside Story."

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"Alternative Medicine"

Discussion of the pros and cons of therapies outside the medical mainstream, to include acupuncture, chelation therapy, RHEO procedure, homeopathy, microcurrent stimulation, ECHO therapy, biocurrent therapy and the Santa Fe Protocol.

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"Blinder Than I"

A short play about empathy and understanding written by Dan Roberts and presented by children from the Academy of Performing Arts in Grandview, Missouri. A discussion of the main points of the play is included in the presentation. Read the play and discussion script.

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"Celebrating Successes During AMD Week 2009"

A panel of leaders in the field of low vision answer questions about progress in patient advocacy, research, treatment, and low vision rehabilitation.

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"Diabetes and Vision Loss"

Roy Cole, O.D., and Karen McCauley, R.N., discuss the types and treatment of diabetes, plus its potential effects on vision.

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"Hallucinations and Low Vision--Understanding Charles Bonnet Syndrome"

Liz Trauernicht (MD Foundation) presents Oliver Sacks, MD, and Marjorie Louer, retired educator, discussing the causes and effects of Charles Bonnet Syndrome.

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"Hearing and Vision Loss"

A discussion by audiologist Helen J. Simon, Ph.D. on the comodalities of hearing loss and visual impairment.

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How Blind Is Blind?"

A two-part presentation in Flash format by Dan Roberts, MD Support Director, and August Colenbrander, M.D. The questions "Does AMD cause blindness?" and "What are the ranges of vision loss?" are answered and clarified.

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"Summary of Research and Development--2011"

A condensation for the layperson by MD Support director Dan Roberts of developments in the field of AMD from June 2010 through May 2011. Download the script in PDF format.

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"Summary of Research--2012"

A condensation for the layperson by MD Support director Dan Roberts of developments in the field of AMD from June 2011 through May 2012. Download the script in PDF format.

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"Summary of Research--2013"

A condensation for the layperson by MD Support director Dan Roberts of developments in the field of AMD from June 2012 through May 2013. Download the script in PDF format.

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"A Look at the Future: AMD Research and Treatment"

Gerald Chader, Ph.D. (Chief Scientific Officer, Doheny Retina Institute, Los Angeles, CA) summarizes the anatomy, pathology, and current treatments related to AMD, followed by an overview of research leading to promising future treatments. Comprehensive and easy to understand.

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"A Quarter Century of Treating Wet AMD: The New Era"

A presentation by Janet Sunness, M.D., Medical Director, Hoover Rehabilitation Services for Low Vision and Blindness, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland.

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"Radiation Therapy For Macular Degeneration"

Peter Sonkin, M.D., reviews causes and treatments for wet macular degeneration, followed by a description of epiretinal brachytherapy, a radiation treatment in combination with anti-VEGF injection therapy.

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"Research and Treatment for Dry AMD"

A presentation by Janet Sunness (Greater Baltimore Medical Center)

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"Understanding Genetics"

An introduction to genetics as it relates to AMD, presented by Stuart Richer, O.D., Ph.D. A substantial amount of information that may require more than one viewing.

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"Understanding Stem Cells"

A comprehensive presentation by MD Support director Dan Roberts delivering pertinent information about stem cells and development of stem cell research since 2001. Additional discussion provided by Professors Claudio Stern and Pete Coffey (University College London).

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"What You Should Know About Glaucoma"

The causes, types, and treatments for glaucoma are explained by Dr. Edward J. Huggett, O.D. (Huggett Vision Institute, Holiday FL), and David Mittelstein (Vision for Vision, Laguna Niguel, CA).

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Mini-Presentations

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Brief Flash format presentations for low vision individuals or groups seeking to understand causes, symptoms and treatment of common eye conditions. Narrated by Dan Roberts, MD Support Founding Director.

"Age-Related Macular Degeneration"

"Cataract Surgery"

"Diabetic Retinopathy"

"Dry Eye"

"Eyelid Problems"

"Floaters and Flashes"

"Glaucoma"

"How The Eye Works"

"Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation"

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Photo Essays

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Unique photo essays offering both information and inspiration for people who are affected by retinal degenerative diseases.

Some essays are in PDF format, requiring Acrobat Reader to view.

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"Finding My Stride"

Sixteen-year-old Kimber Lee Empson has grown up with Stargardt disease. In this photo essay, she relates her feelings, her relationship with family and peers, her schooling, her successes and failures, and her strong desire to rise above what others might see as a disability.

This is a must-read for all family members, educators, physicians, counselors, and other acquaintances of visually impaired children and teens-- and especially for those who share Kimber's world of low vision.

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"Macular Degeneration: The Inside Story"

• Part #1
• Part #2
• Part #3

A look at macular degeneration's causes, effects, and current treatments. Be sure to view all three parts.

Also available as DVD Format (Updated 2006)

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"The T.A.S.K. of Living With Central Vision Loss"

Four effective strategies for living successfully with visual impairment: Tenacity, Adaptability, Support, and Knowledge.

Also available as:

Audio/Visual Presentation

DVD Format (Updated 2006)

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"Learning To Live With Low Vision"

A journey through low vision rehabilitation. Follow one patient through every step of training, from evaluation through home visitation.

Also available as:

Audio/Visual Presentation

DVD Format (Updated 2006)

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