Web Site Launched to Help People with Vision Loss Maintain Independence

To help families, caregivers and people directly affected by vision loss, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) launched a new, totally accessible, multi-media Web site today that offers instructional videos, easy-to-implement tips and testimonials to help this country's growing low vision population maintain independence. The launch of AFB Senior Site comes amid concerns from health officials that diseases like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are expected to double as the nation's 78 million baby boomers reach retirement age and beyond.

In conjunction with the launch of its Web site, AFB released the results of a national opinion poll that details people's fears about vision loss:

• Losing one's sight and paralysis top the list of the public's health fears that were tested. Most feared are losing one's sight (21 percent) and paralysis (21 percent), followed by HIV/AIDS (16 percent), cancer (14 percent), stroke (11 percent), heart attacks/disease (6 percent), diabetes (4 percent) and deafness (3 percent). The other 4 percent don't know;
• Americans say their biggest concerns about low vision are losing the ability to live independently (75 percent) and read (68 percent);
• After physicians (56 percent), Americans would turn to Web sites (29 percent) and organizations for the blind (20 percent) for information on blindness and severe vision loss.

"Over the next few decades, rates of age-related vision loss in this country are expected to double as our country's population ages. Given how much fear people have concerning the impact of vision loss, AFB hopes our new Web site will enlighten Americans about ways they or a loved one can adapt successfully to low vision or vision loss and maintain a full, rewarding and independent life," said AFB President and CEO Carl R. Augusto.

Currently, 6.5 million Americans over the age of 65 have severe vision loss. While some are adapting successfully, there are many others who don't know where to turn for help, or even if such help exists. AFB's Web site is meant to address this knowledge gap.

Visitors to AFB Senior Site will find instructional videos and articles describing independent living solutions geared specifically to people with age-related vision loss. The Web site also connects seniors and their families to important resources in their own communities, such as vision loss specialists who can recommend solutions and instruct older adults with vision loss.

"There are many services and devices available today that help seniors reduce the impact of a visual impairment. AFB Senior Site encourages visually impaired seniors to find the help and support that they need to live independently," said Randy Jose, O.D., FAAO, of the American Academy of Optometry.