Visually Impaired Community to Gather In Minneapolis For Foundation Fighting Blindness National Conference June 28-July 1
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Minneapolis, MN (January 25, 2012) – The Foundation Fighting Blindness will host its national conference, VISIONS 2012, on June 28-July 1 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, uniting individuals and families affected with retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease and other related conditions. Attendees will hear from world-renowned experts about the latest advancements in retinal research, improve their skills for coping with low vision, and meet others from across the country living with similar diseases. “As we reflect on more than 40 years of funding cutting-edge retinal research, we embrace the exciting era of clinical trials now underway, thanks to decades of Foundation Fighting Blindness perseverance and drive to advance promising treatments from the lab into the clinic,” said William T. Schmidt, CEO, Foundation Fighting Blindness. “VISIONS 2012 is an opportunity to celebrate our progress, yet always keep the focus on forward momentum toward a day without blindness due to retinal diseases.” Scientists from the world’s leading research institutions will present at science sessions relevant to the more than 10 million Americans living with vision-robbing retinal diseases. Highlights include discussions on current and upcoming clinical trials, genetic testing and counseling, doctor Q&A, gene therapy and stem cell therapies. Low vision coping sessions will offer attendees valuable insight, including presentations on self defense for the blind, guide dog and cane mobility, low vision tools and technology, and nutrition for saving your vision. Vendors will also be on site to exhibit their products, services, and resources for the visually impaired community. Erik Weihenmayer, the only blind person ever to climb Mount Everest and runner-up on the prime-time adventure show Expedition Impossible, will speak at the Saturday morning general session. His vision loss from the retinal disease retinoschisis has not held him back from surmounting the world’s tallest peaks and sharing his story of perseverance around the world, in two books, and through several documentary films. Hyatt Regency Minneapolis staff will receive interactive low vision sensitivity training to heighten awareness about interacting with the hundreds of visually-impaired attendees expected from across the country. For registration information and conference details, visit www.FightBlindness.org/VISIONS. To attend VISIONS as a member of the media or to schedule an interview with a conference spokesperson, contact Allie Gebhardt at 410-423-0643 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
About the Foundation Fighting Blindness |
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