State of Low Vision Care in U.S. and Around the World Showcased at First Annual EnLIGHTen Conference November 3rd and 4th

Chicago, IL, October 19, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The state of low vision care both here and abroad will be examined in a comprehensive, dynamic and interactive way during the First Annual EnLIGHTen Low Vision Conference, which takes place Thursday, November 3, and Friday, November 4, in Schaumburg.

Co-sponsored by The Chicago Lighthouse and several other groups, the two-day event will bring together world class doctors and vision professionals to discuss the most current trends in optical care and the newest technology available to help those individuals experiencing a decline in their vision successfully cope with that loss.

The conference, which gathers at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, will also coincide with the annual meeting of the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA). ATIA is another co-sponsor.

“I can’t think of a more dynamic forum providing critical insight into vision loss than this one,” said Tom Perski, senior vice president of rehabilitation services at The Chicago Lighthouse. Perski, who oversees the Lighthouse’s adaptive technology program, points out that “EnLIGHTen” will not only offer remarks by some of the world’s foremost experts but also provide numerous hands-on demonstrations with the latest technological innovations.

The special keynote presenter on November 3 will be Urban Miyares, president of the Disabled Businesspersons Association, the National Disabled Veterans Business Center, who will inspire the audience with his account of how he founded multi-million dollar ventures despite being deaf-blind.

On November 4, the keynoter will be Dr. Gerald Fishman, a world-acclaimed ophthalmologist who directs the Pangere Center for Inherited Retinal Diseases at The Chicago Lighthouse. Dr. Fishman will talk about the most recent treatment approaches for a variety of retinal disorders.

Among other topics to be addressed will be the potential of stem cell treatments for retinal disorders; driving considerations for people with low vision; an update on research involving the implantable miniature telescope for end-stage macular degeneration; and how people experiencing vision loss can get the most out of their iPhone.

Other sponsors include Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, The Hadley School for the Blind and the American Foundation for the Blind.

For registration information, call 877-687-2842.

For information on adaptive technology services offered by The Chicago Lighthouse, call 1-800-919-3375 or e-mail Tom.Perski@chicagolighthouse.org

The Chicago Lighthouse, whose credo is “Because there is still hope,” was founded in 1906, and is one of the nation’s most comprehensive social service agencies. Housed under its roof are the oldest and most prominent vision care and rehabilitation program in the U.S.; a nationally acclaimed school for children with multi-disabilities; a world class employment services program; one of the few remaining clock manufacturing facilities in America; a VA program serving veterans in all 50 states; and a radio station.

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