South Carolina Chapter

I enjoy working together with other South Carolina chapter members to connect individuals in our state who are blind or visually impaired with much needed resources, community and information on medical research advancements. It is a true pleasure to be part of this valuable community!

Mike Garrigan, Chapter Revenue Chair

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.

_{South Carolina Chapter Leadership}

Name	Role
Heather Edwards	President
Brian Smelzer	Vice President
Carolyn Strauss	Resource Chair
Karen Jones	AIDE Chair

Looking for a chance to make a real difference? The South Carolina 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 Bailey Bostelmanto learn more.

Chapter Events

Insights Forum | Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Sep 24, 2026
- 11:00 a.m. (EDT)
- Virtual
The Foundation Fighting Blindness is pleased to invite you to the upcoming Insights Forum, our quarterly conference call providing updates to the blinding disease community. The focus of this call is to report progress on the Foundation’s mission-related initiatives, highlight recent developments and provide scientific and research updates.

Insights Forum
South Carolina Lunch and Learn
- Oct 8, 2026
- 12:00 p.m. (EDT)
- Virtual
Join Us for Lunch and Learn

Community 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

Make a Difference Monday

Drink Great Beer. Support a Great Cause.
Looking for the perfect way to kick off your week? Join us every single Monday this July at Tidal Creek Brewhouse for Make a Difference Monday!

We are teaming up for a month of community, fun, and giving back. Each week features a different event, so there is always something new to experience. Best of all, $1 from every beer sold between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM will be donated directly back to us.

Whether you are catching up with friends, meeting the team, or just enjoying a local brew, your happy hour will have a real impact right here in our community.

Can't make it this week? Don't worry! We will be there every Monday all month long. Grab a pint, pull up a chair, and let’s make a difference together.

We can't wait to see you there!

Additional Resources

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