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Call Russ Hatch at 831-659-5360 for info regarding donations or purchases of used cars, trucks, boats and other vehicles in good resalable condition – a tax write-off for the donorLet's Have Some Fun!
Dr. Feel Good, Steve Kane, reminds people to contact him at 375-6677 if there is anything you’re interested in attending. Be it a play, concert, or sporting event.
In The News
Consuming higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, found in yellow and dark, leafy, green vegetables, may be associated with a lower risk for age-related macular degeneration
(AMD), according to an article published in Archives of Ophthalmology, SEP,2007 (a JAMA journal).
AMD occurs when the area of the retina called the “macula” deteriorates over time. Because the macula is responsible for our sharp, "straight-ahead" vision, people suffering from AMD may experience a loss in their central vision as the disease progresses.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Group assessed 4,519 individuals from age 60 to 80, from 1992 to 1998.; Their retinas were photographed to determine if they had AMD and, if they did, to which of four stages the condition had progressed. The individuals were also given a food frequency questionnaire that measured how often they consumed foods rich in certain vitamins, minerals and other trients, including lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamins C and E. Based on the individual’s eating habits, they were then divided into 5 groups.
The research found that the group of individuals who consumed the most lutein and zeaxanthin regularly were the least likely to have developed advanced-stage AMD. In addition, their chances of having large/numerous intermediate drusen (deposits in the retina) were also much lower, compared to people who consumed less lutein and zeaxanthin. No associations were seen with any of the other nutrients.
This latest study confirms the link, as reported in previous studies, between AMD and lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin, also called “carotenoids”, are proposed to reduce the risk of AMD by affecting processes through which light and oxygen damage the eyes, the authors note.
“If these cross-sectional results can be confirmed in prospective samples and experimental studies, lutein and zeaxanthin may be considered as useful agents in food or supplement-based interventions designed to reduce the risk of AMD,” conclude the authors. So, for the question “is there anything I can do for macular degeneration?” the answer might just be what your mother told you all along (with a slight twist added), “eat your fruit and (dark,green and leafy) veggies…
USED DEVICES FOR SALE BY OWNERS
(please call Moonset for contact information)
NEW DEVICE
The BVIC recently acquired a new pocket-size video magnifier. The Compact+ is the latest low vision aid that is really worth mentioning. Its most useful features are:
The Compact+ is priced at $795. It is so popular that the BVIC waited for 2 months to receive its order. Please call to make an appointment for a demonstration.
AN INSPIRING BVIC MEMBER
Dr. Alden, a retired professor, celebrated her 89th birthday this year. With the assistance of friends and the BVIC she has become an excellent assistive technology user. Dr. Alden uses a 19” ClearView video magnifier for reading print materials. For listening to audio books and music she uses the BookCourier and an IPod. Dr. Alden’s computer is equipped with ZoomText software, a screen magnifier and reader.
When Dr. Alden began to have trouble with her vision, she was opposed to the idea of using AT devices. Everything appeared to be so complicated and troublesome. Now she uses them daily. She keeps in touch with friends and family through email. Using short messages, she found that people are more interested in emailing back. She also accesses the Internet daily researching, exploring new places, and even shopping for books and gifts. She calls it traveling all over the world in her wheelchair. Sharing newfound knowledge from the Web with her friends is another activity she loves. Many of the Internet resources replace the need to take a course or traveling to a library. It has opened a new and exciting world to her.
Dr. Alden also uses her computer to keep her checkbook using the Excel program. She enters checks and deposits and Excel automatically provides her balance. Her next computer goal is to set up a daily schedule.
Dr. Alden feels her life has been greatly enriched by using assistive technology. She is energized by having so much to do every day. Her friends jokingly commented that she is rising from the ashes with a much more positive disposition. Dr. Alden’s accomplishments are inspirational to the BVIC staff. She is a wonderful role model to others, young and old alike.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING DAY UPDATE
The last two months have been busy here at the BVIC, as the Low Vision Clinic, led by the efforts of Moonset Yu, PhD. and Andrew Wodecki O.D., played host to two very exciting events: the 2nd Vision Care & Assistive Technology (AT) Day in August and our very first AT Training Seminar in September. After a very successful premier AT Day in January of 2007, we were very fortunate to feature presentations by two experts in diabetic health care for our 2nd AT Day. Dr. Eric Del Piero, a local retinal specialist, gave a very engaging and insightful lecture entitled “Diabetes and Your Vision: Current Treatments for Diabetic Eye Disease and What You Can Do To Prevent It.” Chesney Hoagland-Fuchs, RN, a certified diabetes educator with Natividad Medical Center, followed up with a very entertaining and interactive presentation, “I Can Manage Diabetes With My Eyes Closed: Adaptive Devices, Techniques & Nutrition.”
Eight different vendors (good thing we remodeled!) exhibited various adaptive devices, from large-button phones to electronic/video magnifiers, as well as specialized devices for diabetic care. At a luncheon ceremony, the BVIC, under the direction of Jeannie Cordero and Cheri Padin, awarded six students from Monterey County schools with VISTA Program Certificates of Achievement. Roger Aquirre, an accomplished (more on this later) musician, entertained the lunch crowd with original guitar work. In addition, three recipients, Roger, Jesus Fernandez and Manuel Fernandez, were honored and received an iPod shuffle, which included their participation in our first AT Training Seminar.
Roger entertaining at the BVIC AT Day
Computers, cell phones, televisions- these are some “technologies” that often utilize visual displays and are not easily used or “accessed” by individuals with low vision or the blind. On September 29th, VISTA students learned how to use their new iPods, an audio player capable of holding a tremendous amount of information: music, “talking” books and educational pod casts (radio “broadcasts“ from the internet). With hands-on (and ears-open) training, the students were able to download audio information from the internet, aided by computer magnification software. It was a thrill when one of the students, Roger Aguirre, upon accessing the iTunes music store, searched the site and discovered songs from his former band!
iPod Training at the BVIC
As we move forward into 2008, we look forward to sharing new technologies that will help those in our low vision/blind community and welcome any ideas for presentations at our upcoming AT Days and Training Seminars.
AN ORANGE TRAY - a great tool for daily living activities
Here are some suggestions:
As you can see, some people have a tray in several rooms in their home for many different reasons.
If you are interested in a lesson using the orange tray or interested in purchasing an orange tray, please call Robin Whiteley, Rehabilitation Specialist.
The November 12th Low Vision Support Group will have a tinge of sadness as we have our last support group of this year, our last evening meeting, and our last meeting... and first and last supper with Dr. Diana Case who will not be able to continue to help facilitate the group as we move to the daytime meetings starting again in February. It will be a time for the habitual attendees to say thank you and goodbye and a time for new folks to stop in to see what they've been missing. Please RSVP to the Center.
As has been the tradition, the November meeting will be the last until we get together again in February when, by popular demand, we will change to meeting during the daytime hours. Read the January Blindfold for planned topics and guest speakers. Don't be too surprised if we talk Diana into returning as a speaker on occasion.
THANK YOU DR. CASE!
We’d like offer our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Diana Case for her outstanding service to our community. With Dr. Case’s expertise together with Janet’s efforts the Low Vision Support Group will be celebrating their 10th anniversary next August. Dr. Case has graciously given nearly ten years of her experience and care to help others at the monthly support group. Her volunteerism has enriched the lives of many. On behalf of the BVIC we offer her our warmest wishes and gratitude for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of others.
My boyfriend was in a major motorcycle accident years ago. The accident caused severe head trauma and Michael was in a coma as a result. He was told he would never walk and possibly never lead a normal life ever again.
The accident paralyzed his 3rd cranial nerve and left him with thought process and speech impairments. The cranial nerve paralysis caused the muscles that hold his eye to be paralyzed as well and his eye to fall outward. The cosmetics of this were bad enough, but it also caused severe double, triple and quadruple vision… He could not see!
Michael was so discriminated against due to his problems, it affected our everyday life. No one would hire him, we couldn’t rent an apartment, people would stare at him, and he was the best person ever! I was determined to try to find help for him. I started a year long search, with every door shut in my face, because we did not have the ability to pay for such extensive surgery. On a whim, I emailed the Blind & Visually Impaired Center in Pacific Grove. Jeannie Cordero, who without even meeting me, put the wheels in motion to try to help. The process was grueling. The Old Capitol Lions Cub sponsored Michael so he could get help from the Lions Eye Foundation. It took a year to get into the Lions Eye Foundation in San Francisco. We met a coordinator named Mark who jumped through hoops to help us and get Michael seen. We were so grateful something was about to be done. Michael had his first surgery and we were devastated. His vision was almost worse and it did not work…then the second surgery. This one did not work either and the pain was tough. He was ready to give up. Dr. Scott, who took care of Michael, was determined it was going to work, and that he could do more for him. I had so much faith in Dr. Scott’s ability. Reluctantly, Michael went for a third surgery. I was thrilled that the cosmetics had worked and was aching for the multiple vision to be eased, but it seemed like one thing after the other was happening and it didn’t work. While I was sitting in the waiting room, a little girl about five came up to me and put her arms around me and proudly stated she had been there six times. That seemed to put things all in perspective, and she was my angel for the day.
About one month after the final surgery, we took a picnic to Lover’s Point. Michael got up and started staring at the water. I could tell by the way he was standing there, something was up. He turned and looked at me. He was overwhelmed with joy. His vision had fused and he could see a single image. It was a day I will never forget in my life. The extent to which everyone went to help us will never be forgotten. Our gratitude to the Blind & Visually Impaired Center, the Old Capitol Lions Club, and to the most awesome staff of the Lions Eye Foundation can never be expressed. They indeed gave us the most precious gift of all, Michael’s eyesight. Michael has just started a new business and is slowly regaining his confidence after years of dealing with his problems.
Hi! I'm Carolyn Craig and one of the more recently elected members to your Board of Directors. I have lived in Pebble Beach for 36 years with my great husband, Jeff. We have two grown children, Kimbley and Danny, who live and work in California. Aren't we lucky!
I am a retired preschool teacher and community volunteer. I love to walk and work with scrap books and photographs.
I am Robin's most recent graduate of braille. I do have low vision, caused by massive radiation following a malignant brain tumor operation in 1959. The radiation affected my eyes gradually to the point where my vision is impaired, a condition called visual agnosia, which inhibits my ability to recognize faces and words and scenery. My husband, Jeff, has been great in helping to adapt in this situation.
Today, I love working with children, showing them "another way to read". Learning even the basics of braille, meaning the alphabet, can help anyone with low vision. Robin is a great teacher and the staff is excellent!
Carolyn & Jeff Craig
SOCIAL WORKER/CASE MANAGER:
20-hour week position. Give back to the community while receiving $20.00 per hour compensation. The BVIC is a community-based, non-profit rehabilitation agency. The position is both center-based and outreach.
Qualifications:
To get the Blindfold by email instead of “snail mail” email vision@blindandlowvision.org and put Blindfold in the subject line. You can also visit our web site at www.blindandlowvision.org and click Newsletters.
November 12 – Veteran’s Day
November 22, 23 – Thanksgiving
The office will be closed during the holiday season December 17th through January 1st
November 20th - Thanksgiving Luncheon
(must RSVP by Nov. 13th to attend)
December 11th - Christmas Luncheon
(must RSVP by Dec. 4th to attend)
Board Meeting- December 4th at 1:00
Annual Meeting – January 15th at 1:00
(all are invited & encouraged to attend)
The Staff & Board of Directors offer our warmest wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy 2008!
225
Laurel Avenue Pacific Grove, CA 93950