Nation's Experts Note Progress in Fight Against Blindness at "VISIONS 08"
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Owings Mills, MD - August 13, 2008 - Some of the world’s leading scientific researchers along with celebrities and Congressional members will converge for the fight against blindness by participating in VISIONS 08, the National Conference of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Virginia on August 8-10, men, women and children who suffer from eye diseases that can lead to blindness, along with researchers and scientists, will attend VISIONS 08 to learn of the latest research, clinical trials and daily living skills. In addition to lectures and question and answer sessions, VISIONS 08 will include an exhibit hall showcasing the great low vision products, aids and services available to those fighting blindness. The VISIONS 08 opening luncheon on Friday, August 8 will include keynote speeches from “One Life to Live” star David Chisum and Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas with Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan and CSI actor Jon Wellner in attendance. Lead investigator of the highly publicized LCA Gene Therapy trial, Dr. Jean Bennett, will make closing remarks on Sunday, August 10 along with the FFB’s Chairman, Gordon Gund. Bennett’s clinical trial at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia became a world renowned success after restoring sight to three participants with limited vision and Gund, a former NHL and NBA team owner and CEO of Gund Investment Corporation, co-founded the FFB in 1971. Additionally, the FFB’s own Chief Research Officer, Dr. Stephen Rose, will brief conference participants on accelerating the advancement of cures to the clinic as well as the process of clinical trials. Other sessions include internet and technology tools, genetics and genetic testing and physical fitness and sports for the visually impaired. To see the VISIONS 08 full schedule, visit www.FightBlindness.org. The Foundation Fighting Blindness is the largest source of non-governmental funding for retinal degenerative disease research in the world. The urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. |
