CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., April 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) and Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation (RDPFS) have formed a unique partnership to benefit more than 15 million people in the U.S. with macular degeneration or other retinal related diseases. The goal of this partnership is to reach more people within the low vision community with accurate, vital information and resources that will help them enhance their well-being.
MVRF is a national charity focused on funding research to find a cure for macular degeneration. To reach this goal, MVRF funds groundbreaking research projects conducted by the world’s top scientists with the hope of improving the lives of millions of people affected by visual impairment.
RDPFS is dedicated to increasing the self-reliance and dignity of blind and visually impaired persons. They believe these individuals should have the tools and resources necessary to lead independent, productive lives.
The collaboration between MVRF and RDPFS involves MVRF’s SupportSightSM program, a national education and outreach program which includes: SupportSightSM seminars, free educational seminars across the country, SupportSightNewsSM, a newsletter with circulation of 30,000 and SupportSightSM Resources which includes a toll free number, retirement community partnerships and online and digital resources. The collaboration will enhance the SupportSightSM program with access to the additional resources that RDPFS offers. It allows both organizations to assist more people in the vision impaired community through education and provide them with important information about tools and assistive technology that will empower them to remain independent.
“Nationally, less than 10% of people with vision loss actually access low vision or vision rehabilitation services,” says Susan Olivo, executive director of RDPFS. “A general lack of awareness keeps people from going for comprehensive eye exams and accessing appropriate help and services. We are honored to partner with MVRF, and help them continue and enhance the valuable and informative SupportSightSM program.”
About MVRF:
MVRF is a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to finding a cure for macular degeneration and other retinal diseases. To reach this goal, MVRF funds groundbreaking vision research conducted by the world’s top scientists. What makes MVRF unique is that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to research. MVRF also provides education and outreach to those with visual impairments through their SupportSightSM program. www.mvrf.org
About RDPFS:
RDPFS is dedicated to increasing the self-reliance and dignity of blind and visually impaired persons. We believe these individuals should have the tools and resources necessary to lead independent, productive lives. Through our support of non-profit organizations that share this philosophy, we are making the world easier to navigate for thousands of people, every day. We are also the publisher of Select Editions Large Type books and a proud co-sponsor of visionaware.org, the premier online resource for people coping with vision loss. www.rdpfs.org