San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Chapter Contact

Vivian Vo

VVo@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.

The Chapter Network has Three Areas of Focus

  • EDUCATION. Learn the latest in blinding retinal disease research.

  • RESOURCES. Get connected to local community resources and specialists.

  • REVENUE. Raise funds through VisionWalks, dinners, DIY fundraisers, and more.

Bay Area Chapter Leadership

Name Role
Eric Zankman President
Jessie Wolinsky  Vice President
Cathy Quock VisionWalk Chair
Andy Disch Corporate Engagement Chair
Gabi Dobrescu Community Outreach, Member at Large
Vedant Dave Community Outreach, Member at Large
Kanha Agrawal Community Outreach, Member at Large
Rob Farmer  Corporate Engagement Committee, Member at Large
Noa Dukler

Corporate Engagement Committee, Member at Large
Carin Elam 

Experience & Logistics Chair, Signature Events
Van Duesterberg

Member at Large

Looking for a chance to make a real difference? The Bay Area 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 Vivian Vo to learn more.

Chapter Events

  • 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

  • Bay Area Vision Connection

    • Oct 27, 2026
    • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    • 2500 El Camino Real, Suite 100, Palo Alto, CA 94306

    Join the Foundation Fighting Blindness for Vision Connection, an enriching and supportive gathering across the Foundation Chapter network for the blind and low vision community.

    Community Event

  • San Francisco Night for Sight

    • Mar 18, 2027
    • 5:30 p.m. (PDT)
    • 25 Lusk St, San Francisco, CA 94107

    We invite you to join us for an evening of incredible food, cocktails, and entertainment all while helping raise funds to support the mission of Foundation Fighting Blindness.

    Signature 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