Medical Advisory Board
"Good nutrition and periodic eye care are the foundation of good vision, but disease or the effects of aging can cause visual acuity to decrease. Eye care physicians diagnose and treat such problems medically, but the best use of remaining vision involves services such as those provided by National Association for the Visually Handicapped.
These low vision professionals maximize the use of remaining vision in performing activities of daily living by helping people with visual aides, providing counseling to individuals and running discussion groups where people share their experiences. The goal of eye care is to help the patient, and often it is the low vision professional that completes the circle of care."
Richard Spaide, M.D.
Vitreous-Retina-Macula Consultants of New York
Chair, NAVH Medical Advisory Board
"As part of the comprehensive management of patients with macular degeneration and other retinal diseases, ophthalmologists work in conjunction with low vision specialists. The ophthalmologist manages the acute manifestations of the disease and controls resulting damage, while the low vision specialist offers council and helps select and fit low vision aides to allow for optimal day-to-day functioning.
"Thus we are honored to serve on the board of the National Association for the Visually Handicapped, and to be actively involved with this team of dedicated low vision professionals. As retina specialists dealing with macular problems on a daily basis, we cannot over-emphasize the role of the team approach and the critical nature of the low vision specialist in providing optimal patient care."
Jason S. Slakter, M.D.
Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology
NYU School of Medicine
Partner, Vitreous-Retina-Macula Consultants of New York
Co-Chair, NAVH Medical Advisory Board