Economic Impact of Vision Problems $51.4 Billion

Prevent Blindness America recently released a report that estimated the costs associated with adult vision problems in the United States at at a staggering $51.4 billion.

The study calculates the cost to the individual, their caregiver and the U.S. Economy. Researchers are hopefully that the study will give policymakers a better look at the financial impact of vision loss on the individual, caregivers, the government and insurance premiums.

It is believed that the impact vision loss has on the U.S. economy will only increase in coming decades as the baby boomer generation ages.

You can read more on the study, including how the cost was determined, here.

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Blind Pilot flies 13,500 miles

Miles Hilton-Barber, 58, lost his eyesight to a hereditary condition more that 20 years ago. That didn't stop him from flying from London to Sydney in 54 days to fulfill his dream of being a pilot.

Assisted by sighted co-pilot Richard Meredith-Hardy,40, the pair left Biggin Hill air base in London on March 7th in the microlight aircraft. The aircraft looks like a cross between a tricycle and a motorized hanglider, and was equipped with an audio device that reads out navigational information, including air speed and altitude.

Hilton-Barber hopes that his flight will raise US $2 million dollars for the charity Seeing is Believing, which works for the prevention of blindness in developing countries. To date, approximately $65,000 US has been raised as a result of Hilton-Barber's flight.

Hilton-Barber has always been an adventurer, and has previously conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc, ran marathons in the Sahara and Gobi deserts, and hauled a sledge over 250 miles of Antartic Ice in an attempt to reach the South Pole.

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Using virtual touch to "see" objects

Researchers at Arizona State University are developing technology that will allow the blind and visually impiared to to use their sense of touch to "see" distant objects or onces that can't be touched, such as artifacts or artwork.

Called a haptic interface, the gloves, developed by the scientists at the Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing (or CUbIC), create a virtual object that the wearere can feel just seconds after a spoken or gestured command.

The researchers at CUbIC designed the gloves as part of a flagship project called iCARE, and acronym for Information technology Centric Assistive and Rehabilitative Environment. The goal of iCARE is to create devices that assist the visually impaired with aspects of life such as studying, recognizing friends and family, visiting museums and shopping in stores.

In addition to the gloves, researchers have also created a pair of sunglasses with a camera embedded in the nose peice and a speaker in the strap that will tell a visually impaired person if someone familiar is approaching. The glasses look just like regular Oakleys or Ray-Bans.

Researchers hope to develop technology for the glasses which will not only recognize a familiar person, but give the wearer insight into their emotional state and details such as if they have had a haircut or changed their hair color. CUbiC is also proposing radio frequency identification tags for retail outlets that would transmit information about the product and price to a PalmPilot like device that the visually impaired shopper can carry.

You can read more about the research at CUbic here.

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Independent Living Aids Buys rival Mailers

Jericho, New York based Independent Living Aids, the country's oldest privately held cataloger specializing in products for the blind and visually impaired, has acquired cataloger Ann Morris Enterprises, which also sells products for people with vision loss. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Products similar to those sold by in both catalogs are used by IB West to assist our clients in living independent lives.

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Support IB West for a chance to win a weekend on the beach!

Win the

Angels on the Beach Getaway

at the

Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front

BLUE ANGELS WEEKEND - July 19, 20 & 21

Drawing will be held on June 29

Gulf-front Room Meal Package Included

Proceeds benefit

Independence for the Blind of West Florida

850.477.2663 www.ibwest.org

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Beta Carotene may not help against AMD

Beta Carotene pills, previously thought to be useful in slowing or preventing vision loss from age related macular degeneration may not be as effective as scientists once thought.

A new study showed no benefit for beta carotene pills alone against the disease. These findings come from a study which tracked more than 21,000 male doctors for an average of 12 years. The participants took either 50mg of beta carotene or a dummy pill every other day.

Almost the same number of participants in each group developed age related macular degeneration, showing that the beta carotene neither increased nor decreased the risk of developing the disease.

The study did not include any woman, so further study will have to be done to find if the outcome is the same for women. Additionally, this study does not suggest that carrots are not helpful for preserving eyesight.

The best advice, scientists say, is to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day because its the combination of nutrients that seems most important.

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Arizona Citizens Seek Blind Justice

In December, the state of Arizona filed two lawsuits against two separate theater chains located in the state. The suits allege that the theaters do not offer the proper auxiliary equipment required for blind and deaf individuals to have the same experience as their sighted peers. You can read more about the the cases here and here.

Currently, we were unable to locate any theaters in Pensacola or the surrounding areas that offer Descriptive Narration services to visually impaired patrons, however, we will continue to research the matter, and will update you as we receive additional information. If you or someone you know is visually impaired, and would like to know what rights they have as a disabled person, you may contact us.

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The Masters is over, but Blind Golfers are gearing up for tournament

Many individuals who have lost their sight also feel that they have lost the ability to partake in many recreational sports that they previously enjoyed. However, there are many organizations that specialize in adapting sports for blind and disabled players, to get them back in the game.

One such organization making headlines is the East Tennessee Technology Access club, which is hosting a golf tournament on April 23 at Fox Den Country Club. Golfers from across the area will attend the competition. Some are even hoping to reach the national championship fro blind golf. You can read more about the tournament and the golfers here.

Additionally, many other sports are being adapted for blind players as well. You can find out more about the adapted sports and the rules at the United States Association of Blind Athletes.

Additionally, Independence for the Blind offers Independent Living Skills training, which includes a component of recreation. If you or someone you know has additional questions about blind sports, please contact us!

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Smoking increases risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

New research suggests that cigarette smokers are much more likely than non-smokers to go blind late in life. Researchers in the United Kingdom have concluded that smoking led to a two-to-threefold increase in the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration, a condition that blurs the sharp central vision (which we use for skills like reading,driving, and other activities requiring fine, sharp or straight-ahead vision), is the most common cause of legal blindness in those over age 55. Nearly one out of three people over the age of 75 are affected by the condition. There are approximately 10 million people in the United States affected with age-related macular degeneration, and about 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.

Simon P. Kelly, opthalmic surgeon and study-co-researcher told WebMD: "The studies confirmed that smokers were significantly more likely to develop age related macular degeneration than nonsmokers and that heavy smokers had the highest risk."

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with age related macular degeneration, and needs help learning how to live an independent life, please contact Independence for the Blind of West Florida.

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New Specialty tag raises money for Visually Impaired

A new tag is now available at tag agencies across the state. The "A State of Vision" license plate will benefit blind and visually impaired Floridans. Proceeds from the sale of the tags will got to support the services of local non-profit agencies statewide, including Independence for the Blind of West Florida. The plates are expected to be a popular seller as the design will appeal to many individuals.

The project was spearheaded by the Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind (FAASB). The revenue generated by the sale of the new plate will be distributed to the FAASB to provide direct support for local services to Florida's growing visually impaired population. Supporters of Independence for the Blind and other local agencies throughout the state signed the necessary petitions to create the new plate.

The new "A State of Vision" license plate is available at tag agencies throughout Florida. For more information on their availability, contact your local auto tag agency or County Tax Collector's office.

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Search the Internet and Support IB West!

What if Independence for the Blind of West Florida earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Well, now we can!

GoodSearch.com is a new search engine that donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. You use it just as you would any search engine, and it's powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results.

Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Independence for the Blind of West Florida as the charity you want to support. The money raised from GoodSearch will go to support the blind and visually impaired in 10 counties of West Florida. Just 500 of us searching four times a day will raise about $7300 in a year without anyone spending a dime! And, be sure to spread the word!

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Existing drugs may prove useful in treating eye diseases

A preliminary study done at the Penn State College of medicine has shown that minocycline, a common antibiotic often used to treat acne, may slow or prevent diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in persons aged 20 to 74.

Additionally, a Juvenille Diabetes Research Foundation funded human clinical trial has shown that the drug Ranibizumab may be useful in treating diabetic macular edema. Ranibizumab is currently approved to treat age-related macular degeneration.

These findings are part of a new approach to research by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The foundation is targeting drugs that are already on the market or close to FDA approval for other conditions, and using these already approved drugs to treat diabetes-related problems. This saves time, reduces research costs and shortens the amount of time it takes to get the drug from research stage to the patient.

Both treatments will undergo secondary studies before they are approved for public use.

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Hybrid Cars pose threat to blind pedestrians

As technology advances, so must the visually impaired. While many technological advances have helped the blind and visually impaired become more independent, one advance in technology threatens to hinder the independence of many visually-impaired.

Hybrid cars, which switch between a gasoline engine and an electric motor, offer better gas mileage and less pollution than traditional cars. However, because the vehicles use electric power when traveling at slow to moderate speeds, such as when leaving a red light or stop sign, or entering or exiting a parking lot or driveway, it is so quiet that it is virtually undetectable to the visually impaired who rely on sound cues to travel safely.

This situation was first brought to light last April, when Michael Osborn, a blind marketing consultant in California was nearly struck by a hybrid vehicle while in the middle of an intersection. Mr. Osborn's guide dog, Hastings, stopped short, and following his dog's cue, Osborn stopped just in time to feel the breeze from the passing car. But what would have happened if Osborn would have been traveling without a dog?

Debbie Stein, a leader of the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois, did her own experiment with a Toyota Prius. When a family friend arrived at her home driving a Prius, Debbie asked him to take the car for a short drive while she remained outside to see if she could hear the car. She heard her friend slam the door, then nothing, until minutes later, the car door opened, and her friend,returning from a drive around the block, asked if she had heard it. She asked him why he didn't start the car. The hybrid is so quit that even a trained ear, awaiting the noise, was unable to detect it.

As more hybrid vehicles take to the roadways, a solution to this quiet problem must be found before visually impaired pedestrians end up seriously injured or dead. Currently, there is no way to track pedestrian injuries or deaths related to low-noise cars, as police reports often do not list the type of automobile involved in pedestrian-auto collisions, and the insurance industry does not collect those figures either. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths have increased about 2% since 2000.

The National Federation for the Blind is taking a proactive stance on this matter and has formed a committee on Automobile and Pedestrian safety. Gary Wunder, a committee member, says "We want to get ahead of this and not have to wait until five blind people end up seriously hurt or dead."

The automotive industry has yet to make a stand on the concerns. Charles Territo, a spokesman for the Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers, an industry group, says he wasn't aware of the issue. "We're interested in hearing about the concerns of the blind community, and we'll work with them to ensure that they're addressed," Territo said.

The visually impaired must work together to solve this problem. If you have had experiences involving quiet cars or if you have ideas about solutions to the problem, please contact us at IB West or contact Debbie Stein at (773) 631-1093

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Cat Research Could Help The Visually Impaired

Veterinary Ophthalmologist Dr. Kristina Narfstrom is doing research on partially blind Abyssinian cats that may prove useful to humans with Retinitis Pigmentosa. The cats are receiving implants of special silicon chips that may help to replace or repair diseased retinas in humans.

This research may lead to the ability to restore sight in individuals afflicted with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Retinitis Pigmentosa is a disease of the eyes which attacks the eyes photoreceptor cells, also known as the rods and cones, that register light and color. However, Dr. Narfstrom does not expect to know the results of her study for another two years.

Until scientists can find a way to reverse or slow the effects of Retinitis Pigmentosa, individuals with this disease must learn other ways to cope with the loss of sight. At Independence for the Blind of West Florida, we work with individuals with Retinitis Pigmentosa to teach them the skills necessary to live independent lives despite the challenges this disease poses.

Our clients receive instruction in Orientation and Mobility so that they are able to navigate their homes, neighborhoods, offices and stores. They are also offered training in Daily Living Skills, so that they are able to care for themselves and their homes. Additionally, clients receive training in communications, including computer lessons, so that they are able to maintain communication for both business and personal needs. Furthermore, we offer vocational rehabilitation and job skills training so that our clients are able to continue working if they choose to do so.

Retinitis Pigmentosa can take away an individuals ability to see, however it does not have to take away their ability to lead an independent, fulfilling life. With the training provided by Independence for the Blind of West Florida, clients can learn to overcome the challenges of living with Retinitis Pigmentosa.

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Welcome to our Blog!

Hi! Independence for the Blind of West Florida (IB West) has served the blind and visually impaired of West Florida since 1993. IB West provides training in independent living skills, computer and adaptive technology, and provides vocational assessments, training and employment related services to people who are blind or visually impaired so they can achieve maximum independence. Our service area includes: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Bay, Jackson, Washington, Calhoun, and Gulf Counties. These counties comprise the West Florida Panhandle. Services are provided to clients free of charge.

I hope that this blog will become an online community for the clients, staff and supporters of IB West. Each day (time permitting), I will update the site with information relevant to IB West and the clients we serve. This will include information about our programs, medical and scientific breakthroughs, legislative issues, upcoming events and more. I will also provide links, when applicable, to allow you to read more about the subject. Additionally, the commenting feature will allow you to leave feedback about the post.

I look forward to writing this blog, so that you may learn more about IB West and the needs and challenges of the visually impaired community. Check back tomorrow for the latest news!

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