PATIENT SUPPORT GROUPS PROVIDE INSIGHT AND ENCOURAGEMENT

The loss of vision is overwhelming and life changing. Simple tasks that may have been taken for granted are now nearly impossible. California Retina Consultants recognizes the many challenges that vision loss creates and have therefore created new patient support groups in the Santa Barbara and Bakersfield offices. Led by Director of Research Melvin Rabena and Research Assistants Amy Sterling and Jessica Basefsky, the groups are a forum for patients to discuss how macular degeneration and other retinal diseases have affected their lives.

The Santa Barbara office hosted its first meeting in August 2008 and patients discussed driver's license renewals, sources for low vision aids, helpful books on macular degeneration, and emotions on dealing with the ultimate loss of sight.

The feedback was so positive that meetings now take place monthly and patients suffering from any type of retinal disease are invited to attend, along with their friends and family members.

The Bakersfield office held their first meeting in May 2008 and welcomed guest speaker Dr. Janae Vance, a low vision specialist who shared various visual aids to help those suffering from AMD. Attendees were able to demonstrate the visual aids and found many beneficial.

Staff member Amy Sterling attended the meeting and claims, "Although the group was small, I was amazed at how just a few people with age-related macular degeneration can really support each other."

The Low Vision Support Group meets the first Tuesday of every month in the Santa Barbara office, suite G, and the third Tuesday of each month in Bakersfield. For more information and to confirm meeting times, contact Jessica (Santa Barbara), (805) 884–5185 or Amy (Bakersfield) at (661) 325-4393.