Philadelphia Chapter

Contact Info

Bailey Bostelman, Director, Chapter Engagement, East

chapters@fightingblindness.org

The Strength of the Foundation is Through Our Communities

The Foundation Fighting Blindness Chapter network brings people together across the country to join in fighting blinding retinal diseases. Our family of volunteers and leaders stand up for those impacted by blinding diseases. From day one, they share the latest research and advancements, and provide access to local resources to guide individuals through their personal journey. And together, they celebrate the Foundation’s mission.

We are winning thanks to the dedication of our Chapters focusing on three key areas: education, resources, and revenue. Through informative sessions, Foundation staff, community, and national experts provide research information, low vision resources, and outreach to our local retinal specialists and eye care professionals. To continue accelerating our mission, each community is invited to be a stakeholder by participating in our fundraising events.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness Chapter Vision

Our vision is to bring a community together to end blinding diseases.

Philadelphia Chapter Leadership

Name Role
Bailey Bostelman Chapter Engagement Manager
Alex Cohen  Chapter President
Kathy Fenstermacher/Tommy Costello Co-Resource Chairs
Amy Reif/Katie Viscount Co-Education Chairs
Terri Gazzara Revenue Chair
Lenora Osborne Diversity & Inclusion Chair

Foundation Contact

Bailey Bostelman

Director, Chapter Engagement, East

Philly Phorum Webinar

The Philly Phorum on February 3, 2024, provided a platform for professionals serving the blind and low vision community in Philadelphia and surrounding areas to showcase services and other resources. The goal of Philly Phorum wass to ensure that all professionals in the local community are aware of opportunities for individuals with low vision or blindness. This Philly Phorum allowed professionals in the community to connect and collaborate to provide a robust array of resources for individuals and their families.

The inaugural Philly Phorum featured presentations from:

  • Dr. Ranjoo Prasad, Wills Eye Hospital
  • Lora Swatko, Blind Institute of Technology
  • Beth Deering & Sylvia Purnell, VisionLink
  • Alex Cohen, Accessible Pharmacy Services
  • Bethany Johnson, Overbrook School for the Blind
  • Lauren Scarpa, Bestwork Industries
  • Michelle Glaze, Foundation Fighting Blindness

Philadelphia Virtual Speaker Series - January 26, 2022

This virtual meeting features a presentation by Lauren J. Lieberman Ph.D., Director of Camp Abilities, and highlights many of the resources that are available for children in the community.

Additional Resources

  • Find a Doctor Who Sees Patients with Inherited Retinal Diseases
  • Learn more about Raising our Sights Do-It-Yourself Events