LOW VISION ORGANIZATIONS

The following is a sampling of some of the low vision organizations that can offer resources, assistance, and education to patients and professionals.

The Assistive Technology Industry Association

The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) is committed to the development of conference environments that encourage education, networking, and training for professionals and vendors in the industry. ATIA conferences provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about new assistive technology products and services and are a forum for professional presentations and discussions on a wide variety of topics.

Presentations, demonstrations, and exhibits are offered in each area. Computer and technology exploration labs provide an opportunity to experiment with and evaluate the latest assistive technology products. To find out more about the next ATIA conference, ATIA members and their products, and other services, visit the website at www.ATIA.org., call 877-687-2842, or send an e-mail message to Info@ATIA.org.

Low Vision Division of the VCA

The Vision Council of America's (VCA) Low Vision Division works to raise awareness of low vision rehabilitation among eyecare providers, as well as visually impaired consumers and their caregivers. To learn more, call 703-548-4560 or visit the VCA website, www.visionsite.org.

Lighthouse International

Lighthouse International is a leading resource worldwide on vision impairment and vision rehabilitation. Through innovative work in vision rehabilitation, education, research, and advocacy, Lighthouse International enables people who are partially sighted or blind to live independent and productive lives. Vision rehabilitation programs and services such as orientation and mobility, career counseling, technology training, low vision care and adaptive living instruction are provided to people with impaired vision in the greater New York area. Continuing education for health care professionals, research on the effects of vision loss, and advocacy on behalf of people who are visually impaired are conducted nationally and internationally. For more information, visit www.lighthouse.org, or call 800-829-0500 or 212-821-9200.

Foundation Fighting Blindness

According to the organization's website, the mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Inc. (FFB), is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments, and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. Since its inception in 1971, the foundation has raised more than $270 million for the cause, funding thousands of research studies at hundreds of prominent institutions worldwide. For more information, visit the organization's website, www.fightblindness.org or call 800-393-7634.