Macular Chats

The discussion features Brian S. McKay, PhD, who conducts basic research towards developing new cell-based therapies for macular degeneration. He discusses a major new breakthrough showing that L-DOPA, a drug widely used to treat Parkinson’s disease, may help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD); Maria B. Grant, MD, who conducts research using adult stem cells to repair damaged blood vessel networks within the retina that are associated with macular degeneration; and David Pepperberg, PhD, who researches methods to restore vision lost in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.

The featured speakers for this telephone discussion are Katherine Freund, the President and Founder of the Independent Transportation Network (ITN America), a national nonprofit providing transportation to seniors and to adults with visual impairments, and Karen A. Keninger, director of the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, where her top initiatives are to increase braille literacy and leveraging technology to improve service to NLS’s 500,000-plus patrons.

This telephone discussion features Christopher Brady, MD, an ophthalmologist from the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who specializes in the medical and surgical management of retinal diseases, including macular degeneration. His research focuses on the benefits of telemedicine for underserved populations and how new technologies can improve patient care.

This telephone discussion features Neal Adams, MD, who is in private practice at DC Retina and is a nationally-recognized leader in the field of retina disorders. He is author of the book, "Nutrition for the Eye," and will provide healthy tips for those living with low vision.

This telephone discussion features Priyatham (Prithu) S. Mettu, M.D., from the Duke Center for Macular Diseases, who provides helpful information for those recently diagnosed with macular degeneration.

This telephone discussion features Mary Jo McGuire, an occupational therapist in private practice from Akron, Ohio, who serves clients in the home and community addressing the real-life problems caused by aging, disease, or trauma, including the challenges related to low vision.

This telephone discussion features Michael B. Gorin, MD, PhD, an ophthalmologist from UCLA who is devoted to research and clinical care of hereditary retinal disorders, especially age-related macular degeneration, retinal dystrophies and other medical retinal conditions.