Lighthouse Guild Receives Grant from American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF)
April 30 2024 - 10:30AM
One billion people worldwide have vision impairment that could be
helped with assistive technology. This number is expected to double
by 2050, particularly due to age-related vision diseases like
macular degeneration. While numerous assistive technology devices
are now available, many people with vision impairment experience
difficulties in finding the right device for their specific needs.
It is against this backdrop that Lighthouse Guild has received an
AMDF Thrive Award of $75,000 to study the effectiveness of various
assistive technology devices. The goal is to provide objective
information that will help people with vision impairment determine
which devices will work best for them.“Assistive technology has the
potential to substantially improve the lives of people with vision
impairment by facilitating independence, enhancing communication,
improving the ability to perform activities of daily living, and
increasing participation in society,” says Dr. William Seiple,
Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Guild. “However, there is not
a one size fits all solution. Our research is objectively
evaluating assistive technology devices in order to deliver data
that will allow people with vision impairment, in consultation with
their vision health provider, to find the best technology for their
individual needs. We thank American Macular Degeneration Foundation
for their generous support of this initiative.”
Working directly with a cohort of people with vision impairment,
Lighthouse Guild is collecting data on the functionality,
usability, accessibility, and acceptability of specific devices.
The data will be compiled to develop recommendations. Lighthouse
Guild is in a unique position to conduct this research based on its
years of experience in assistive technology, including its recently
opened Technology Center.“AMDF is as committed to improving quality
of life for those living with AMD as we are to driving the
development of new treatments that can preserve or restore sight,”
says Matthew Levine, Director of Grants, Partnerships and Advocacy
at AMDF. “The findings from this study will ripple across the
entire AMD community, helping patients quickly find assistive
technology that meets their unique needs, while allowing providers
of low vision services to optimize their consultations.”
Lighthouse Guild Lighthouse Guild provides
exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired
to attain their goals. Our podcast series, “On Tech
& Vision with Dr. Cal Roberts” offers information and
insights about technological innovations that are tearing down
barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired. For more
information, visit Lighthouseguild.org.
American Macular Degeneration Foundation The American
Macular Degeneration Foundation is a patient-centered foundation
that supports potentially game-changing Age-related macular
degeneration (AMD) research, education and advocacy in order to
improve quality of life and treatment outcomes for all those
affected by AMD (macular.org).
Bryan Dotson
Lighthouse Guild
917-796-8632
bdotson@mannersdotson.com