Resource Links

The National Eye Institute (NEI)

The National Eye Institute (NEI) was established by Congress in 1968 to protect and prolong the vision of the American people. As one of the Federal government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NEI conducts and supports research that helps prevent and treat eye diseases and other disorders of vision. This research leads to sight-saving treatments, reduces visual impairment and blindness, and improves the quality of life for people of all ages. NEI-supported research has advanced our knowledge of how the visual system functions in health and disease.

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Eyesight.org

Eyesight.org receives top ranking by all major search engines for a reason … It continues to be the leading resource for information concerning Macular Degeneration to a growing population of individuals affected by the disease and related low vision conditions.

A prestigious team of scientists associated with leading universities advise the Foundation and oversee the distribution of Research Funds contributed by appreciative visitors to this site.

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The Glaucoma Foundation

The Glaucoma Foundation’s mission is to fund groundbreaking research and educate the public about glaucoma. The Foundation works to stimulate and support basic and applied research in glaucoma, to gain and disseminate new information about the biological causes and treatment of glaucoma, and to further efforts to identify and develop novel approaches to preserve visual function and reverse blindness caused by glaucoma.

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Lighthouse International – Vision Health

Whether you’re interested in finding out more about what constitutes low vision, what macular degeneration is, or whether vision rehabilitation is something you should consider, Lighthouse International offers information and resources that can help. Learn more about our services and some of the most common eye disorders.

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American Foundation for the Blind

If you or someone you care about has recently been diagnosed with vision loss, then you probably have a lot of questions. We’re confident that the information at the American Foundation for the Blind will give you useful answers.

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Care Credit

Maybe you’d like to get that eye care procedure you really want, but if your insurance doesnt cover all the costs for the procedure, where do you turn? CareCredit, a GE Money Company, gives you convenient payment options so you can get the procedure you want, when you want it. Endorsed by Kirk Eye Center as a financing partner.

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The Jewish Guild for the Blind (The Guild)

Located at 15 West 65th Street, New York, NY 10023, is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian agency that serves persons of all ages who are visually impaired, blind and multidisabled. The Guild offers a broad range of programs that include: medical, vision, low vision, psychiatric and rehabilitative services, managed long-term care, residential services, day health programs, schools and educational training programs for independent living. Our mission is to assist people who are blind or visually impaired, and who may have additional disabilities, achieve lives of dignity and independence.

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Macular Degeneration Support

A worldwide non-profit public service organization, MD Support was founded by retired educator Dan Roberts. Its mission since 1995 has been to provide information and support for people who are affected by macular degeneration and similar retinal diseases. The founder and most of the organization’s volunteers are visually impaired themselves. Their work is supported and guided by a 12-member advisory board made up of leading professionals in the field.

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AMD Alliance International

1929 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, Ontario CANADA M4G 3E8
1-877-263-7171
(416) 486-2500×7505

Works to raise the awareness about age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and an understanding of available options for treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. Publishes an educational brochure in five languages.

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American Association for Pediatric

Ophthalmology and Strabismus
P.O. Box 193832
San Francisco, CA 94119-3832
(415) 561-8505

Dedicated to ensuring quality medical and surgical eye care of children and adults with strabismus. Provides information on common eye problems including strabismus, amblyopia, retinopathy of prematurity, conjunctivitis, and learning disabilities. Offers a website tool to help people find pediatric ophthalmologists in their local areas.

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American Diabetes Association

ATTN: National Call Center
1701 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
(800) 342-2383
[email protected]

American Diabetes Association Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM-8 PM Eastern Standard Time. The American Diabetes Association funds research, publishes scientific findings, provides information and other services to people with diabetes, their families, health professionals and the public. Contact ADA for diabetes-related questions or to request a diabetes information packet. Spanish language consumer website.

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American Foundation for the Blind

11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300
New York, NY 10001
1-800-232-5463
(212) 502-7600

Serves as a one-stop information and referral resource for people who are blind or visually impaired, the people who work with them, and the general public. Conducts a wide variety of programs to support independent living, literacy, employment, and access to technology. Publishes professional materials for blindness and low vision and Talking Books. Offers consultation services to eye care, rehabilitation, and education professionals. Provides referrals to low vision centers. Advocates for legislative change.

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American Uveitis Society

3535 Bienville Avenue, Suite W380
New Orleans, LA 70119

Increases knowledge regarding uveitis in the medical and research professions through instructional courses, clinics, lectures, and seminars, at which members and guest speakers present subjects of current interest and importance. Promotes and disseminates knowledge of the treatment of uveitis to the public. Encourages and develops uveitis investigation and research. Provides online search for uveitis specialists.

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Association for Macular Diseases

210 E. 64th Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 605-3719

Offers education and information on macular disease through seminars, newsletters, and a hotline. Offers counseling to patients and their families.

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AWARE

P.O.Box 996
Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
(914) 528-5120
[email protected]

Provides extensive self-help information on adapting everyday activities and locating helpful services and independent living resources — for individuals with vision loss, their family members, and those who work with them. Offers a vast collection of free self-help information and materials to increase personal independence, options, and opportunities for those who are blind or have low vision.

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Children’s Glaucoma Foundation (CGF)

2 Longfellow Place, Suite 201
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 227-3011

Serves to increase the awareness of the symptoms and encourage parents and doctors to screen infants and children for glaucoma.

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Cornea Research Foundation of America

9002 N. Meridian Street, Suite 212
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 844-5610

The Cornea Research Foundation of America was founded with a mission to restore and preserve vision through clinical research and educational programs relating to disorders and diseases of the eye. Supports research devoted to corneal transplants, intraocular lens complications, refractive surgery, and other specialized procedures.

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Disability Resources, Inc.

is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently.

We serve thousands of individuals with disabilities through a multidisciplinary network of service providers and consumers. In order to reach as many people with disabilities as cost effectively as possible, we target our services and publications to libraries, disability organizations, independent living centers, rehabilitation facilities, educational institutions, and health and social service providers.

We disseminate information about books, pamphlets, magazines, newsletters, videos, databases, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, telephone hotlines and on-line services that provide free, inexpensive or hard-to-find information to help people with disabilities live independently.

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EyeCare America

655 Beach St.
San Francisco, CA 94109-1336
1-877-887-6327
1-800-222-3937

EyeCare America provides comprehensive eye exams and care for up to one year, often at no out-of-pocket expense to eligible callers through its Seniors and Diabetes EyeCare Programs. Its Glaucoma EyeCare Program provides a glaucoma eye exam. The EyeCare America Children’s EyeCare Program educates parents and primary care providers about the importance of early childhood (newborn through 36 months of age) eye care and offers a free downloadable educational brochure. EyeCare America is a public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

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(The) Foundation Fighting Blindness

Executive Plaza 1, Suite 800
11435 Cronhill Drive
Owings Mills, MD 21117-2220
1-888-394-3937
1-800-683-5555 (TDD)
(410) 568-0150
(410) 363-7139 (TDD)

Acts as a clearinghouse and distributor of self-help program information. Sponsors research on the cause, prevention, and treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, Usher’s syndrome, macular degeneration, and other retinal degenerative conditions. Conducts education programs for those affected by the disorders as well as professionals and the general public. Coordinates a national information and referral service and the Retinal Donor program. Publishes newsletters and other publications.

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(The) Glaucoma Foundation

80 Maiden Lane, Suite 1206
New York, NY 10038
1-800-452-8266
(212) 285-0080

Coordinates public education activities and encourages routine eye examinations. Funds research on the molecular genetics of glaucoma and on optic nerve regeneration. Provides referral to glaucoma specialists. Publishes public and patient education materials, including a newsletter, Eye to Eye.

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International Foundation for Optic Nerve

Disease (IFOND)
P.O. Box 777
Cornwall, NY 12518
(845) 534-7250

Promotes research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of optic nerve disease. Disseminates information about optic nerve disease.

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Knights Templar Eye Foundation

1000 East State Parkway, Suite I
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 490-3838

Knights Templar Eye Foundation provides assistance for eye surgery for people who are unable to pay or receive adequate assistance from current government agencies or similar sources.

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Lighthouse International

111 E. 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
1-800-829-0500
(212) 821-9200
(212) 821-9713

(TDD) Serves as a national clearinghouse for information on vision impairment across the life span including specific services for children and seniors. Offers a comprehensive selection of educational products, large print materials, talking products, and related specialty items for people with visual impairments. Offers reading and library services, employment and recreation resources, and technology centers.

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Lions Clubs International

300 W. 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842
(630) 571-5466

Provides financial assistance for eye care to individuals through local clubs. Coordinates sight conservation activities. (Note: There are Lions Clubs in most localities, and services vary from club to club. Check your telephone book for the address and telephone number of your local club.)

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LowVision.com

3030 Enterprise Court, Suite D
Vista, CA 92801
1-800-826-4200
Fax: 1-800-368-4111

Founded in 2007, LowVision.com was created to become the resource center for Low Vision. Recognizing the need, Lynne Noon, OD and Optelec US joined forces to fill in the gap between patient and doctor in the Low Vision Industry. The purpose was to give patients, friends and family of patients, and doctors a forum to find all their answers and solutions in one place. With that concept in mind, LowVision.com is the one stop shop for all low vision needs. Whether it is information, news, discussion groups, or products, LowVision.com is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with visual impairments.

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Low Vision Gateway

Provides information and resources for people with low vision and their families. Contains links to information on low vision specialists, low vision aids, organizations that provide support and assistance, and resources for parents and teachers. Sponsored by The Internet Low Vision Society and the Low Vision Centers of Indiana.

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Macular Degeneration Partnership

6222 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 260
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 623-4466 (office)
(310) 623-1837 (fax)

If you have macular degeneration, or know someone who does, this is the place for you. There is hope and help.

Whether you were just diagnosed or have had AMD a long time, you can find the information, resources and support you need right here. Family members and caregivers can learn what it’s like to have macular degeneration and how they can help.

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National Eye Institute (NEI)

National Institutes of Health
31 Center Drive MSC 2510
Bethesda, MD 20892-2510
(301) 496-5248

Conducts and supports research on eye diseases and vision disorders. Offers free publications for the general public and patients.

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National Federation of the Blind

1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314

Provides a wide variety of services to visually impaired people. Works with agencies and blind people they serve to provide a cost-effective pathway to jobs with good earnings and benefits. Publishes the Braille Monitor and Future Reflections. Distributes a catalog of publications available in large print, Braille, or audiocassette, and a catalog of aids and appliances.

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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

National Institutes of Health
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
1-800-352-9424
(301) 496-5751

Conducts and supports research on disorders of the brain and nervous system. Distributes information on topics including Behcet’s disease, dyslexia, headache, multiple sclerosis, pseudotumor cerebri, septo-optic dysplasia, stroke, temporal arteritis (giant cell ateritis) and

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National Keratoconus Assistance Foundation (NKCAF)

2607 Rockefeller Lane, Suite 3
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(714) 404-8690

Provides referrals to eye care specialists best qualified to provide contact lens fittings for patients with keratoconus. Offers financial assistance for treatments and surgeries. von Hippel-Lindau disease.

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National Keratoconus Foundation

8733 Beverly Blvd., Suite 201
Los Angeles, CA 90048
1-800-521-2524
(310) 423-6455

Sponsors basic and clinical research as well as a public education program including self-help groups and seminars. Provides information to patients and eye care practitioners.

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Ocular Melanoma Foundation (OFM)

P.O. Box 29261
Richmond,, VA 23242
[email protected][email protected]

Works to increase awareness, enhance education and research, and provide advocacy among both patients and health care professionals regarding ocular melanoma.

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Prevent Blindness America

211 West Wacker Drive, 17th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
1-800-331-2020
(312) 363-6001

Produces educational materials that address the special needs of senior citizens, agriculture and industrial workers, school teachers and children, nurses, and doctors. Offers guidance regarding current available treatments, eye care facilities and programs, and current eye research findings through the National Center for Sight. Coordinates the Eye Patch Club, a support group for families coping with a child’s amblyopia treatment. Administers a research program to provide small start-up grants to young scientists.

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Resources for Rehabilitation

22 Bonad Road
Winchester, MA 01890
781-368-9094

Offers training programs for public and professionals on coping with low vision. Publishes books and materials related to low vision including Living with Low Vision: A Resource Guide

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Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation (SSF)

6707 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 325
Bethesda, MD 20817
1-800-475-6473
(301) 718-0300

Provides support and education for people with Sjögren’s syndrome and information to the medical community through local chapters. Publishes Moisture Seekers (newsletter) and The Sjögren’s Syndrome Handbook. Distributes information on the complications of Sjögren’s syndrome including dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).for People with Sight Loss.

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Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Foundation

P.O. Box 350333
Westminster, CO 80030
(303) 635-1241

Provides information and support for people with Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, skin and eye problems associated with adverse drug reactions. Encourages public awareness of adverse reactions to drugs.

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