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In memory of Marjorie R. McNeely, her family has contributed a generous $100,000 grant to the BVIC. Mrs. McNeely had a real passion for helping the blind, and she spent many years in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and in Pebble Beach transcribing books onto tape.
This taping was done in days before a mass market for books-on-tape existed, so her pioneering work really allowed many unsighted people to share in her love of Literature and the English language.
Mrs. McNeely took great pride in this work, and she derived tremendous satisfaction when unsighted people would tell her how much they enjoyed her readings. Her family is very pleased that the new low vision clinic will be named the Marjorie R McNeely Low Vision Clinic in her honor. The BVIC is grateful for the amazing support shown by Mrs. McNeely’s Family. We think the originators of the Clinic, Cindy Hazard, Kathy Henson, & Mike Tomlin O.D. would be proud of the progress & services.
Helen Crase was a supportive Board of Directors and a member of the BVIC who passed away last year. Helen was always appreciative of our work and honored the BVIC with a very generous bequest. This has inspired us to remember Helen & others with a Legacy Plaque at the BVIC.
The first phase of our renovation is nearing completion and our second phase to renovate our Multi-Purpose Building is in full swing. Recent grants have helped us realize these important changes. The Harden Foundation contributed $35,000.00 for the Multi-Purpose Building project and the Pebble Beach Foundation has contributed a $50,000 award during a two year period toward both.
(Yes, they may sound simple, but they can make a difference)
Great donated vehicles for sale:
Call Russ Hatch at 659-5360 for info
For info or to confirm date call Jeannie
It’s not too late to sign up for our 3RD Annual BBQ & Horseshoe Tourney at Sunny Toro Park on August 19th. The BBQ is served at 12:30- Good Time Catering featuring Joe Solis’ Tri-tip, BBQ & Island Teriyaki Chicken, Chili Bean, Caesar salad & dessert. ($20.00) Horseshoe Tourney ($50.00) Includes BBQ & T-shirt, 1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes (Horseshoes / stakes / Trail Ride for two at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center). You don’t have to play horseshoes to enjoy the tasty BBQ. We are also looking for sponsors for horseshoe players.
Save the Date for the BVIC’s event of the year on Sunday, September 24th.
The BVIC presents the Miracle Worker. The vintage classic, starring Anne Bancroft & Patty Duke will be shown at the beautifully renovated Golden State Theater. Tickets are $35.00. We are currently taking reservations for this fundraiser. We want to sell out the house so invite your family, friends and co-workers. There will be a drawing for a Chariot and many other opportunities.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the intravitreal injection drug, Lucentis for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on June 30th.
During the two-year clinical trials, Lucentis showed that it helped 95% of patients who received a monthly injection maintain their vision at one year. In comparison, only 60% of those who received other FDA approved treatments of Visudyne and Macugen were helped.
Age-related macular degeneration, comprised of two forms, wet and dry, is the leading cause of vision loss in the US. About 90% of the estimated 1.4 million Americans who have vision loss are due to macular degeneration. There is a risk for people with dry AMD to develop wet AMD. `
Lucentis blocks the protein that is believed to be responsible for the unwanted blood vessel growth in the macula. Because it is approved by the FDA, Medicare and Medicaid patients should be able to get the treatment when appropriate. However the cost will be $1,950 per injection.
Another drug for treating AMD is Avastin, which is not yet approved by the FDA. Avastin was reported to have good results in trials. Avastin costs about $17 a dose, and could be available to people without insurance coverage.
Thinking about purchasing a magnifier or an optical aid? Borrowing a loaner from the BVIC may be a good first step.
The decision to buy a magnifier and other optical aids can be a difficult one to make. One has to consider its effectiveness, durability, and cost. An aid or device may be expensive, but its years of use may offset a higher cost. An affordable counterpart may not offer the high quality image desirable to a person with low vision. Technology develops at such a quick pace that new devices and systems are always being introduced to the market.
To help our patients, we begin by evaluating their condition and then recommending low vision aids appropriate for their specific needs. Loaners are offered for 2-3 weeks for use at home so people can find the right one for their needs. The loaners include optical aids (magnifiers, spectacles, binoculars) and electronic low vision aids (video magnifiers, JORDY, reading machines).
The BVIC purchases the most current products available so our clients have the opportunity to try them first hand. Many companies offer a 30 day return policy, but also charge a 15-20% restocking fee.
When you see ads or hear about new low vision products, call the BVIC to see if a loaner is available. A hands-on experience will help you make an informed decision before you purchase.
It’s been a year since the program began last summer. Thirteen students from Monterey County and the Pajaro area were awarded VISTA grants. Students were given low vision aids including video magnifiers, computers or computer–based equipment, screen magnifier/screen reader software, and optical aids. The award amount averaged $2,200.00.
While implementing the VISTA program, we found that parents and families also benefited through education, information and the importance of assistive technology.
The BVIC commends Dr. Wodecki who not only initiated this program, but also donated his time to provide comprehensive exams to the students.
We also want to thank the granters who supported our first year of VISTA. The 13 students who benefited from VISTA show the importance of the program. We are now looking for support to assist 12 more visually impaired students this year in their quest for independence.
Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that can decrease vision and lead to blindness. Damage to blood vessels behind the eye can affect the entire field of vision and blind spots are common. When caught early, laser treatment may be an option. Often in early stages there are no symptoms or pain so it is very important to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year.
Some products helpful to people with diabetic retinopathy are: a magni-guide, a magnifier and needle guide, a large print Diabetes Care Daily Log, large print Simplified Diabetes Register, Count-A-Dose (a device that clicks each unit of insulin, offering the ability to accurately measure mixed doses of insulin), a talking scale, and a Talking Blood Glucose Meter by One Touch. For more information about diabetic care or diabetic products, call Robin Whiteley.
To receive the Blindfold by email instead of snail mail email vision@blindandlowvision.org with Blindfold in the subject line.
Cards & Cocoa For the Troops would like to thank the many people who have made donations to the box in the lobby at the BVIC. Erna Phillips and Nancy Dohauer for their cash donations really helped with paying the $8.10 needed for each box.
The next shipment will go out the 3rd week in August to arrive in Iraq / Afghanistan by Sept 11th.
If you have email I would be delighted to add you to my list so that you may see the wonderful letters we get back from the troops.
Blessings on you and yours!
Cindy Stanley, Cards and Cocoa for the Troops Organizer
Macy’s Community Shopping Day, Fashion & Compassion – OCT 26th -$10. benefits the BVIC – call us for your ticket
Help us celebrate our 35th Anniversary this September. Be sure to read our flyer (PDF) about all the exciting events happening in September.
225
Laurel Avenue Pacific Grove, CA 93950