Arizona Chapter

Greetings from sunny Arizona!

We are a thriving and growing chapter, dedicated to carrying on the mission of FFB and to provide community and support for individuals and families affected by inherited retinal diseases. Our annual VisionWalk is held in February and is one of the most attended across all VisionWalks. Additionally, we organize several chapter meetings a year as well a golf tournament fundraiser in May and our annual Dining in the Dark in fall. We also have other social and networking opportunities planned for the year. Please contact me for further information and if you would like to get involved with the planning.

Fai Mo, Arizona Chapter President

Chapter Meeting – April 10, 2021

The latest Arizona Chapter Meeting was held on Saturday, April 10, 2021. Please watch the recorded Zoom meeting for updates about the Foundation Fighting Blindness and the Arizona Chapter. This chapter meeting also featured two amazing guest speakers from the local vision community – Dr. Christina Reichardt, an optometrist in Tucson whose daughter was one of the first children to receive the FDA-approved Luxturna gene therapy, and Michelle Zunitch, Clinical Research Manager for American Vision Partners who shared an overview of the amazing services and research they provide throughout the state of Arizona. Thank you to our wonderful speakers!

Play video:

National Chapter Vision Webinar:
Nourishing Better Vision

Presented in part by the Foundation Fighting Blindness Arizona and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapters.

Play video:

Presenters:

Paul Bernstein, MD, PhD, Val A. and Edith D. Green Presidential Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah

Dr. Bernstein is an ophthalmologist specializing in inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  He is frequently asked by patients and family members if there are any lifestyle changes that they can make to decrease their chances of losing more vision.  Although options may be limited, improved nutrition can be a welcome and empowering suggestion.   He will review the evidence for and against nutritional interventions for IRDs and AMD, with particular emphasis on retinoids (vitamin A), carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin), omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), and various herbal supplements.

Ben Shaberman, Senior Director, Scientific Outreach & Community Engagement, Foundation Fighting Blindness provided the latest news from the retinal research front lines.