Web site aids patients with vision loss

New York-The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation have launched VisionAware.org, a free, easy-to-use informational Web site for adults who have vision loss, their families, caregivers, health-care providers, and social service professionals.

The new site combines two stand-alone resources from AFB and Partners for Sight (Senior Site and the former VisionAware, respectively) into a single, comprehensive Web site offering social networking and customized guidance for adults of all ages, along with practical tips and other content on living with vision loss.

“Of the services available today that help people [in whom vision loss is] newly diagnosed . . . we anticipate that VisionAware will be a superlative resource for finding help and support on living fully and independently,” said Carl R. Augusto, AFB president and chief executive officer. “By combining our efforts with the Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation, we can better serve the millions of adults coping with vision loss.”

“This partnership will strengthen our goal of serving adults who are losing their sight,” said Susan Olivo, executive director, Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation. “For this growing community, it’s paramount for them to know that help is available.”

The site includes:

• practical tips and resources;

• information on eye diseases and disorders;

• various ways for users to connect, including message boards and social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook;

• breaking news on the latest developments in vision loss treatment; and

• directories of services, products, and resources.

For more articles in this issue of Ophthalmology Times eReport, click here.