San Diego Chapter

Chapter Contact

Xavier Garcia

XGarcia@FightingBlindness.org

The Strength of the Foundation is Through Our Communities

The Foundation Fighting Blindness Chapter network unites the blind and low vision community across the country. Our family of volunteers and leaders stands up for those impacted by blinding diseases. From day one, they share the latest research and advancements and provide access to local resources to guide individuals through their personal journey. And together, they celebrate the Foundation’s mission.

We are winning thanks to the dedication of our Chapters, who focus on three key areas: education, resources, and revenue. Through informative sessions, Foundation staff, community, and national experts provide research information, low vision resources, and outreach to our local retinal specialists and eye care professionals. To continue accelerating our mission, each community is invited to be a stakeholder by participating in our fundraising events.

San Diego Chapter Leadership

Name

Role
Elena Kaltsas President
Raquel Alim Vice President
India Kaltsas West Corporate Engagement Chair
Maryam Abdul Sattar Community Engagement Chair
Jane Federle Member at Large

Looking for a chance to make a real difference? The San Diego Chapter is searching for passionate individuals who want to drive research for treatments and cures for blinding diseases. If you're enthusiastic about our mission and eager to be a champion in the community, we'd love to have you on our Chapter Leadership Team! Please contact Xavier Garcia to learn more.

Chapter Events

  • PRPH2 Workshop 2026

    • Sep 9, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026
    • 5:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    • 10950 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037

    The Foundation Fighting Blindness, together with the Nixon Visions Foundation, invites you to join a free, in-person workshop bringing together individuals and families affected by PRPH2 and associated retinal diseases, along with researchers, physicians, and industry partners.

    Foundation Event

  • Quarterly Vision Webinar: Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

    • Oct 17, 2026
    • 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. (EDT)
    • Virtual

    Learn more about Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

    Foundation Event

  • San Diego VisionWalk

    • Oct 25, 2026
    • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (PDT)
    • 3000 N Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

    Join us the 19th Annual San Diego VisionWalk!

    VisionWalk

  • San Diego Vision Connection

    • Oct 28, 2026
    • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (PDT)
    • 9449 Campus Point Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

    Explore the Latest in Retinal Research at UC San Diego

    Community Event

Additional Resources

  • Find a doctor who sees patients with inherited retinal diseases
  • Learn more about our Vision Warrior program and do-it-yourself events