Tools You Can Use
Here's a look at some of what's new in terms of resources for low vision patients and practitioners.

BOOKS

Driving with Confidence: A Practical Guide to Driving with Low Vision, by Eli Peli, MS, OD, and Doron Peli. This large-print paperback guide takes a down-to-earth approach to eye disease and mobility challenges, and offers valuable resources on maintaining mobility independence.

Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight, by Marja Mogk, MD, and Lylas G. Mogk, MD. This work describes macular degeneration, treatment, and prevention, including the psychology of vision loss, with first-hand accounts of vision loss to AMD.

The Lighthouse Handbook on Vision Impairment and Vision Rehabilitation, edited by Barbara Silverstone, DSW; Mary Ann Lang, PhD; Bruce Rosenthal, OD; and Eleanor E. Faye, MD, is a two-volume ECP resource that is also on CD. To order, log on to www.lighthouse.org.

NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS, AND KITS

EnVision and Aging & Vision newsletters. These online newsletters (www.lighthouse.org) offer tips on living with low vision, practical advice for living safely and confidently, aging and vision, programs for caregivers, and a discussion guide for support group leaders.

Toolkit from MDP. The Macular Degeneration Partnership (MDP) is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on age-related macular degeneration for patients, ECPs, and caregivers. A free toolkit can be ordered online (www.amd.org) that includes a magnetic Amsler Grid, a text explanation of AMD, and other pertinent print media. Site visitors can also sign up for an AMD news update and free newsletter.

There's Hope for You, a video available from the VCA Low Vision Division, is a patient education video that stresses the importance of establishing a program for low vision rehabilitation and using low vision devices. The video, priced at $9.95, also provides a toll-free number that links to a national referral database of low vision practitioners. Call 703-548-4560 or e-mail memberservices@visionsite.org for more product ordering information.

ORGANIZATIONS AND WEBSITES

Calendar year 2004 has seen the launch of several new organizations and Websites. They include:

Low Vision Division of VCA. In January, the 26-member Low Vision Council (LVC) joined the Vision Council of America (VCA), the optical industry's umbrella organization dedicated to growing the eyewear and eyecare markets and co-sponsor of the International Vision Expo and Midwest Vision Congress trade shows. According to Ron De Long, chairman of the new division, the LVC was formed in 1997 to expand awareness of low vision rehabilitation options and products among ECPs and the visually impaired.

National Vision Rehabilitation Association. This new organization was established as an advocate for health insurance and other types of funding, and will support public policies for those with vision impairment. NVRA will also promote low vision services, quality standards, and public awareness. For information, contact Lorraine Lidoff at 508-240-6510 or llidoff250@comcast.net.