Glaucoma Research Foundation collaborates with Braille Institute of America to release informational audiobook for glaucoma patients

(Image Credit: AdobeStock/Igor)

The Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) announced the release of a 48-minute audiobook version of its flagship 40-page educational booklet "Understanding and Living with Glaucoma."

According to a news release, the audiobook is narrated by Bianca Beach, an actress, advocate, and glaucoma patient Bianca Beach, the audiobook project is a collaboration with the Braille Institute of America, a nonprofit organization that provides free programs, seminars, and one-on-one instruction for the visually impaired community.

"It's so important to have this type of resource available to patients with glaucoma," Beach said, "because if you're not able to read the booklet, you need to be able to hear it."

Thomas Brunner, president and CEO of Glaucoma Research Foundation noted in the release that a pillar of the foundation’s mission is to empower people affected by glaucoma with knowledge, insight, resources, and inspiration.

“Making our flagship publication 'Understanding and Living with Glaucoma' available as an audiobook in collaboration with Braille Institute helps to make this educational resource accessible by anyone including those with visual impairment,” he said. “The free educational booklet is edited by glaucoma specialists and recommended by eye doctors as a wonderfully understandable introduction to glaucoma."

Andrew Iwach, MD, GRF board chairman, pointed out that the foundation believes in treating patients and their families with respect and dignity.

“We're always seeking ways to educate patients to help them understand and manage their condition in collaboration with their doctor,’ he said in the news release. “The audiobook version of 'Understanding and Living with Glaucoma' will help those with low vision to access key information about glaucoma including symptoms, types, diagnostic exams, treatments, questions to ask your doctor, and more."

Lisa Lepore, director of Library Services at Braille Institute, noted that supporters make projects like this possible.

"Thanks to our supporters, our award-winning library was transformed last year to include a state-of-the-art recording studio that offers new opportunities to produce audiobooks and other materials,” she said in the news release. “Collaborations like this allow Braille Institute to expand our reach in the low vision community and ensure access to additional resources that help maximize independence and quality of life for those living with vision loss."

The free audiobook for "Understanding and Living with Glaucoma" is available to listen and download from Glaucoma Research Foundation's SoundCloud page, and on the glaucoma.org website.

Reference:

1. Foundation GR. Glaucoma Research Foundation Releases Informational Audiobook for Glaucoma Patients in Collaboration with Braille Institute of America. www.prnewswire.com. Accessed March 27, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/glaucoma-research-foundation-releases-informational-audiobook-for-glaucoma-patients-in-collaboration-with-braille-institute-of-america-302092449.html