Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington Event Replay Channel

VisionAware is an online platform with hundreds of helpful articles, resources, tips, and tricks from experts and others with vision loss. Join Kathryn Frederick from VisionAware to learn more about this useful resource!

Paul D'Addario, ACB Northern Virginia Chapter President, joins us to discuss the different advocacy initiatives they are working on the Hill. Paul has decades of expertise in this arena and is easy to understand while he navigates us through these initiatives.

As we age, we begin considering what we leave behind, from your people to your philanthropy. The scary thing is many do not have a plan for this! Join us as we cover ways you can leave your legacy behind! Perry Hammock has spent decades helping individuals create and sustain creating legacies. This information is not intended or relied upon as legal, tax, or financial advice.

We are honored to be joined by Timothy Brown, Northern Virginia Regional Manager of the Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI), and Maria Proschan, Vision Rehabilitation Therapist in the Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services. Hear from them as we discuss the services available and how you can access them. Moderated by Dr. Suleiman Alibhai.

Hear a special interview with Dr. Suleiman Alibhai as we discuss the different eye care professionals, questions to ask, preparing for an appointment, and some specifics about low vision exams.

Vision impairment can increase your chances of a fall in the home. Join us to learn about fall prevention and how you can keep your balance strong, regardless of your vision. Falls can create many health problems.

Kenneth Saunders, Director of the Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs, educates us about the Americans with Disabilities Act, what it provides, what a reasonable accommodation is, and helpful information to utilize these services. Timestamps coming soon. Visit youreyes.org for more information.

0:00:00 Opening Announcements

0:04:00 Introductions (Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Alibhai, Ken Saunders)

0:06:45 Presentation Begins

   0:07:30 What is the ADA?, Who is a qualified individual?

   0:11:30 How is a person without a disability covered by ADA?

   0:14:00 What locations/businesses must abide by ADA?

   0:16:30 Basics of reasonable accommodations

   0:32:00 Who is exempt from ADA?

   0:38:00 Buildings and ADA

0:42:30 Q&A

   0:43:15 Commuting and reasonable accommodations?

   0:49:00 Some gray areas in the previous questions

   0:51:30 How to justify shortfalls?

   0:54:30 Hearing aids and reasonable accommodation process?

   0:57:40 Federal v. state v. private jobs and ADA

   1:02:30 Where to go with employment issues?

   1:07:00 How to advocate for self v. without using accommodations

1:11:20 Open conversation about topic

0:00:45 Opening Announcements

0:06:00 Introduction of Speaker

0:08:30 Public Health and Low Vision Presentation, Omar Mohiuddin, OTR/L, MS, MPH, CLVT

   0:10:30 Why increase of low vision?

   0:14:00 What is the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP)?

   0:18:30 Public Health in Low Vision

   0:24:00 Being an Advocate for Low Vision

0:26:45 Q&A

   0:27:00 Getting message out about low vision resources

   0:30:40 What is it like in North Carolina for low vision care?

   0:33:00 Myth of as we age we should go blind

   0:35:00 Reaching immigrant/non-English speaking communities

   0:41:00 Emotional side of coping with vision loss

   0:50:00 How Omar got into low vision 

   1:00:30 Question of being "labeled" as vision impaired

   1:03:00 "It takes a village" to provide low vision service

   1:04:30 What can a blind person do tomorrow to advocate for low vision?

   1:10:00 Lighting in the bathroom

   1:17:50 How can we get more low vision OTs and O&M professionals?

1:22:00 Closing Thoughts

0:00:15 Opening Announcements

0:05:50 Introduction (Suleiman Alibhai, OD; Hang Nguyen, OD)

0:09:15 Presentation Start

   0:10:00 What is a low vision evaluation? Is it just a new pair of glasses?

   0:21:15 Understanding how to use the vision you still have and your limitations

   0:22:45 Types of assessments completed at a low vision exam

   0:28:50 Importance of knowing what you want to still do

   0:33:20 Finding the right tool or visual aid

   0:48:00 More strategies, trial and error

1:02:00 Q&A

   1:02:20 What are other ways to enjoy reading?

   1:08:30 How to help someone who fights technology?

   1:16:00 Benefits of the support groups?

1:18:00 Closing Announcements

0:01:00 Opening Announcements

0:06:15 Speaker Introductions

0:11:15 MaryBeth Wise; Talking Books Program

0:15:50 Joel Snyder, Audio Description Project

0:30:00 Sylvia Rosenthal, Metropolitan Washington Ear

0:41:30 Q&A

   0:41:45 How do people transition from visual to auditory?

   0:52:30 Will additional venues for audio description services be coming?

   1:03:30 How to get a book not on NLS converted to audio?

   1:06:20 Aren't cable providers required to provide audio description?

   1:10:20 Using the BARD app?

1:23:20 Closing Announcements

0:03:15 Opening Announcements

0:08:30 Clark Rachfal, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs

   0:10:00 COVID Testing Accessibility Advocacy Efforts

   0:17:10 Q&A with Mr. Rachfal

0:23:30 Sean Curry, POB Associate Director of Programs

   0:24:00 How to Get a COVID Test with Low Vision (as accessibly as possible)

   0:43:00 Q&A on Testing Options

0:51:10 Closing Announcements

Dr. Alibhai and Nina Glasner discuss navigating conversations and situations during the holidays, as well as ways to cope. Nina, a certified Low Vision Therapist, brings more than 20 years of experience in working with individuals with low vision.

0:00:25: Opening Announcements

0:04:45 Special Announcement, Nick Farano, POB Senior Director of Development and Marketing

0:07:00 Guest Introduction, Dr. Suleiman Alibhai

0:10:45 Coping During the Holidays, Nina Glasner

   >0:38:05 How do I explain my vision to loved ones?

   >0:44:00 Having loved ones in doctor office with you

0:46:15 Q&A

   >0:46:40 Do rehab professionals (assistive living facilities) receive training on social aspects of low vision?

   >0:55:30 How to connect with others experiencing vision problems - social media??

   >1:04:30 Virtual meeting benefits

   >1:11:00 More benefits of support groups - in-person and virtual

   >1:15:10 When to get medical help for anxiety/depression

1:20:00 Final Wrap up and Closing Announcements

0:00:20 Opening Announcements

0:06:00 Speaker Introduction [Dr. Alibhai Introduces Dr. Hang Nguyen]

0:09:45 Dr. Hang Nguyen Interview

   >0:11:00 What interested you in Low Vision?

   >0:14:00 Experiences at Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute

   >0:18:30 ARVO Conference Research Recap

   >0:21:40 Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Approach to Low Vision Rehabilitation

   >0:25:10 The "Ideal" Model of Low Vision Rehabilitation

   >0:29:40 Challenges of Low Vision Rehabilitation

   >0:34:15 Why choose POB and Low Vision Services, PLC?

0:40:50 Q&A

   >0:42:00 How can we address people who have been vision impaired for most of their life?

   >0:51:10 Bringing a family member to an evaluation?

   >1:05:00 Experiencing difficult situations in public (ignorance of what blindness/vision impairment means among gen pop)

   >1:12:00 Guide dog training

   >1:19:00 Low Vision Technology Benefits

1:24:00 Closing Announcements

0:00:00 Opening Announcements

0:03:10 Presentation and Speaker Introduction - Brigid Doherty, MA, COMS, MetroAccess 

0:06:30 Brigid Doherty Presentation

   0:07:10 Special Modifications and Adaptations to COVID

   0:16:20 Non-traditional MetroAccess Formats (Abilities Rides, etc.)

   0:30:00 Who Qualifies for Paratransit?

   0:35:00 About Applying for MetroAccess Service

   0:47:00 MetroAccess Service Area

   0:50:00 Final Thoughts

0:54:30 Q&A

   0:54:40 Brigid Doherty Contact Information

   0:57:00 Can we verify what ride share is picking us up?

   1:00:00 How to apply for Abilities Ride program?

   1:01:30 Uber v. Taxi v. MetroAccess Van?

   1:10:30 How do I get an application?

   1:13:00 If signed up for Abilities Ride, can I still choose to have the MetroAccess van?

1:16:30 Closing Remarks and Announcements

0:00:30 Opening Announcements

0:05:20 Presentation and Speaker Introduction - Howard Weiss, MD, MPH

0:08:10 Topic Overview

0:08:30 Healthy Aging and the Eye

0:10:45 Normal Aging Conditions - Refractive Errors, Eyeglasses Care, Basic Eye Anatomy, Cataracts

   0:24:00 Cataract Surgery Factors

   0:33:30 Dry Eye

   0:36:30 Floaters

0:40:30 Abnormal Eye Conditions

   0:40:50 Glaucoma

   0:48:45 Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

   0:52:30 Diabetic Eye Disease

0:56:00 Q&A

   0:56:10 Glaucoma and Eye Pressure "normal pressure" glaucoma?

   1:02:00 Precautions for one with abnormal vision and shape of eyeball and cataract surgery?

   1:12:00 I have glaucoma. Should I see an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or both? Brief history of eyecare professionals.

1:18:30 Closing Announcements

Hear Dr. Jullia Rosdahl, the new NEHEP Chairperson, and Dr. Mark Wilkinson, chair of the NEHEP Low Vision Committee, talk about ways to keep your eyes healthy and preserve your sight!

0:00:00 Opening Announcemetnts

0:05:07 Speaker Introduction, Dr. Alibhai

0:09:20 Jullia Rosdahl, MD, PhD - What is NEHEP?

0:13:24 Mark Wilkinson, OD - NEHEP Vision Rehabilitation program

   > 0:16:14 General recommendations for persons w/LV

   > 0:18:24 Resources available

0:21:40 Q&A for speakers

   > 0:24:50 Possible volunteer activities for persons w/LV?

   > 0:26:30 Research opportunities

   > 0:27:34 Is referral necessary for NIH?

   > 0:34:12 Can anything be done to prevent problems causing LV?

   > 0:37:40 Stem cell therapy successes

   > 0:40:10 Preventing/Slowing vision loss progression

   > 0:46:36 Eye health tips

   > 0:51:18 Retina research

0:56:30 POB Announcements

0:58:43 General Q&A

   > 0:58:53 Using an iPad - eye risk?

   > 1:02:08 LV aids catalogue?

   > 1:07:32 Vision rehab v. physical rehab?

   > 1:11:20 Eye doctor referrals to NIH

   > 1:23:34 Find resources and low vision eye doctors

0:00:00 Opening Announcements

0:09:28 Topic and Speaker Introductions

0:13:10 Dr. Narayan Interview

   > 0:13:10 Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, and More

   > 0:29:55 Should I see an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist

   > 0:31:20 General Eye Doctor v. Specialist

   > 0:34:22 Medical v. Vision Insurance

   > 0:42:48 Which Eye Implants are Covered by Insurance

0:46:50 Q&A

   > Do opticians require DC registration?

   > 0:48:45 Can an optician prescribe glasses?

   > 0:51:12 Locating an optician for complex prescriptions

   > 0:54:10 Online v. local optical shops

   > 01:01:54 Find makers of custom lenses

   > 01:06:55 Dr. Narayan's research activities

   >01:08:03 Is it better to have polarized lenses?

   >01:17:50 Do we need different pairs of sunglasses for different activities?

1:24:37 Closing Announcements

0:00:00 Opening Announcements

0:08:23 Topic and Speaker Introductions

0:10:12 Dr. Alibhai Interview

   > 0:10:12 What is Dry Eye?

   > 0:12:06 Causes of Dry Eye and impact on vision

   > 0:14:53 How do tears work?

   > 0:18:20 How Dry Eye is treated

   > 0:23:01 Does low vision cause Dry Eye?

   > 0:26:14 Screen time and Dry Eye

   > 0:30:20 Eye Strain

0:38:18 Lind Stevens, OT interview

   > 0:40:04 Ways to prevent eye strain and dry eye symptoms

0:50:17 Q&A

1:28:42 Closing Announcements

0:00:00 Opening announcements

0:02:00 Introduction to the topic

0:07:15 Vaccines available & eligible groups

0:11:37 General process of getting vaccinated

   > 0:13:21 Pre-registration

   > 0:15:17 Private Outlets (supersites, healthcare providers, Veterans Affairs, etc.)

   >0:16:43 Importance of Self-Advocacy

0:18:10 District of Columbia

0:21:28 Maryland

   > 0:23:42 Montgomery Co.

   > 0:26:51 Prince George's Co.

0:27:52 Virginia

   > 0:29:18 Fairfax Co. (special process)

0:30:37 Questions to ask when scheduling your appointment

0:34:15 Q&A

0:52:11 Closing announcements

0:00:00 Opening Announcement

0:07:50 Speaker Introduction, Dr. Suleiman Alibhai

0:10:32 Guest Speaker, Dr. Stephen Pappas, Jr., discusses Age-related Macular Degeneration medical and functional aspects

   > 0:26:30 Structured Q&A w. Dr. Alibhai

      > 0:26:47 Does AMD lead to blindness?

      > 0:31:07 Charles Bonnet Syndrome

      > 0:37:04 Eye and vision strain

      > 0:46:10 Surgery or implants?

   > 0:51:15 Open Q&A - AMD v. Stargardts; self-monitoring tests; visual v. macular atrophy; stem cell research; RP v. AMD; OTC supplements

1:21:35 Closing Announcements

0:00:00 Opening announcements

0:08:18 Dr. Alibhai, Introduction to the topic and speakers

0:10:45 Lavonne Chambers, ILS and William Engeler, O&M Spec., DCRSA - update on services available

   >0:22:17 Q&A for DCRSA representatives - eligibility criteria, income limit?, difference between Ind. Living and Ind. Living Older Blind Program

0:34:15 Melissa Loughlin, PhD Interview

   >1:10:01 Q&A with Dr. Loughlin and Dr. Alibhai

0:00:00 Opening announcements

0:07:43 Dr. Alibhai, Introduction to the topic and speakers

0:12:37 Erin Schambureck, Interior Designer. A talk on lighting for seniors and people with low-vision:

   >0:14:30 IES Consumer Guide on 'Lighting your way to better vision'; 

   >0:15:40 Basic Terminology and types of lighting; 

   >0:22:20 What to consider for lighting your home; 

   >0:25:50 Practical applications and how to shop for lighting; 

   >0:32:30 Secondary ways to improve lighting at home (interiors and contrast); 

   >0:38:30 Conclusion 

0:47:08 Greg Guarnaccia, Design Engineer. More helpful tips

0:51:03 Q&A 

1:22:45 Closing announcements

0:00:00 Opening announcements 

0:08:12 Dr. Alibhai, Introduction to topic and speaker

0:13:45 Dr. Emily Chew, Director, Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Application, National Eye Institue, National Institute of Health, Talk on the latest research, clinical trials, and new advances on aging eye diseases 

0:50:00 Q&A 

   >0:50:00 Why do doctors have a different schedule for eye injections?; 

   >0:52:05 Are Dry ARMD studies still enrolling patients?; 

   >0:53:14 Can fish be substituted with Omega 3 Fatty Acids?; 

   >0:56:04 Telescopic Implant for AMD?; 

   >01:06:03 How to participate in eye research trials; 

   >01:12:12 Diabetic Retinopathy laser surgery;

   >01:18:19 Retina scanning with Nystagmus and diseases for which trials are active; 

   >01:20:32 ARED Vitamins for other eye diseases than AMD? 

1:27:37 Closing announcements

0:00:00 Introduction 

0:06:33 Dr. Alibhai, Introduction to the topic and speakers

0:10:08 Col. Donald Gagliano, M.D., Resources for veterans with low vision 

0:29:44 Donald Overton, Executive Director, BVA, BVA's role in veteran services 

0:46:50 Ellen Rudykoff, VIST Coordinator for Washington DC VA Rehab Services, VISOR Clinics

0:52:38 Dr. Dalia Elkassabany, Introduction 

0:58:12 Q&A

1:25:55 Closing Announcements

0:00:00 - Introduction

0:07:15 - Dr. Alibhai - Introduction to topic and speakers

0:10:07 - Terrica Jennings, ADA Coordinator, DC Board of Elections

0:16:45 - Dr. Gilberto Zelaya, Public Information Officer, Montgomery County Public Board of Elections

0:24:00 - Gretchen Reinemeyer, Director of Elections, Arlington County

0:30:30 - Clark Rachfal, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, ACB

0:37:50 - Q&A for speakers 

1:17:50 - Q&A, General

0:00:00 - Introduction

0:08:48- Dr. Alibhai announcements and introduction

0:14:05 - Nitesh Rathod and Tara Aziz: Accessibility features on mobile devices

   >0:16:27 - Magnifier

   >0:22:10 - Text to speech

   >0:31:00 - Speak screen feature

0:41:15 - Q&A 

0:01:22 - Closing announcements.

0:00:00 - Opening announcements

0:06:30 Dr. Alibhai, Dr. Weinberg Introduction 

0:10:52 Dr. Weinberg, Vision Rehabilitation from Clinician's viewpoint, what to expect at a low-vision evaluation

0:24:03 Nitesh Rathod, Bioptic driver's license

0:29:21 Dr. Weinberg, "What to Expect at a Low Vision Evaluation" continued

0:32:15 Q&A 

1:25:22 Closing announcements

0:00:00 - Opening Announcements

0:07:28 - Dr. Alibhai, Dr. Weinberg - New policies for seeing patients

0:13:10 - Paul Burden - Amazon Alexa & Echo Voice Assistant products for vision impaired

   >0:36:58 - Q&A

   >0:43:10 - Contact information: Paul Burden

0:45:50 - Stan Gowin - Accessibility on Apple devices

1:03:00 - Nitesh Rathod - Accessibility on Android and Windows platforms

1:15:40 - General Q&A

1:22:50 -New devices from Amazon and Alexa information

1:26:44 - Accessible Remote Control for Comcast, Echo Cube

1:29:14 - Closing announcements

0:00:00 - Opening Announcement

0:15:56 - Marilynn Ward-Tluszcz - "Practical, functional adaptations you can make in your home - how to safely and independently cook, manage medications, and more!"

   >0:30:54 Q&A for Marilynn Ward-Tluszcz

0:42:37 - Valerie Jackson - Advice for pouring liquids, handling medications, Ottlite

   >0:49:00 - Q&A

1:02:55 - General Q&A

0:00:00 - Opening announcements

0:12:15 - Dr. Weinberg and Dr. Alibhai - Introductions, updates, and announcements

0:20:47 - Phone Apps

0:39:00 - Nina Glasner

0:50:58 - Sharon Payne 

1:00:40 - Lind Stevens

1:10:40 - General Q&A

0:00:00 General Announcements and Introduction

0:09:10 - Nina Glasner MSW, LCSW-C, CLVT, Low Vision- coping and support

   >0:25:50 - Q&A for Nina Glasner

   >0:42:20 - Nina Glasner contact information

0:45:09 - Dr. Alibhai, Dr. Weinberg, Sean Curry - Introduction to support groups

   >0:49:52 - Sandy Neuzil, Reston VIP

   >0:59:00 - Ann Koch, Vienna VIP

   >1:09:12 - Rosanne Russo, The Jefferson Retirement Community

   >1:14:28 - Gloria Duckett, Seabury Resources for Aging

   >1:19:27 - Dr. Weinberg and Sean Curry, Wrap up of support group discussion

1:21:04 - General Q&A

0:00:00 - Opening Announcements

0:04:37 - Sylvia Rosenthal, Metropolitan Washington Ear

0:10:40 - Kym Robertson, Alexandria Talking Books Program

0:17:30 - Erika York, art with vision impairment

0:20:20 - Nitesh Rathod, games and activities at home

0:26:43 - Patrick Timony, DC Public Library Accessibility Center

0:29:37 - Tara Aziz, Verbal Description and virtual museum and art tours

0:35:20 - Sandy Neuzil, Audio Description

0:41:49 - Q&A for Speakers

1:08:48 - General Q&A

0:00:00 - Opening Announcements

10:06 - Brigid Doherty, Orientation and Mobility Specialist

   >22:40 - Q&A for Brigid Doherty

33:58 - Christine Huang OT and Lind Stevens OT - Ways to remain safe at home

   >43:12 - Q&A for the Occupational Therapists

1:10:46 - General Q&A

0:00:00 - Opening Announcements

12:02 - Bill Engeler (D.C. Orientation and Mobility)

18:37 - Candice Jordan (D.C. Rehabilitative Services Administration) 

22:27 - Tandra Hunter-Payne (Maryland Department of Rehabilitative Services)

28:10 - Megan O’Toole (Virginia Department of the Blind and Visually Impaired)

34:20 - Topic Q&A

51:00 - Dr. Alibhai - Telemedicine, 

1:01:00 - General Q&A 

0:00:00 - General Announcements and Introduction to the purpose of the Town Hall

23:53 - Dr. Alibhai - Transportation: Metro Access, Uber, Lyft, GoGo Grandparent

26:13 - Dr. Weinberg - Getting Food

29:12 - Dr. Alibhai - State Agencies in MD, DC, and VA

31:16 - Dr. Weinberg - Technology and Apps

34:22 - Dr. Alibhai - Telemedicine and Telehealth: alternative visits to customize visits for you

54:30 - Q&A: Uber and GoGo Grandparent, BARD, More Food and Delivery services

1:12:10 - Dr. Alibhai - How to give feedback