Low Vision and Vision Health Services at Lighthouse International Now More Widely Available for Clergy, Religious Leaders and Parishioners in the Archdiocese of New York, Diocese of Brooklyn and Diocese of Rockville Centre
For Immediate Release
Information:
Leslie Gottlieb
212-821-9760
Based on its successful outreach programs in the areas served through the Archdiocese of New York, Lighthouse International vision services can now benefit increased numbers of members of the clergy and religious orders, as well as parishioners, throughout the Archdiocese, in the Diocese of Brooklyn and in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Lighthouse International, a leader in vision health and rehabilitation, provides a comprehensive array of services that give people with vision loss the skills and strategies to remain safe, productive and as independent as possible.
According to Tara A. Cortes, PhD, RN, President and CEO of Lighthouse International, "This program has helped hundreds of members of the clergy and religious orders get information about the potential benefits of vision rehabilitation and obtain vision services they need to enhance their quality of life. These services will become even more important as our population ages, since one in four people age 75 and older have vision impairment."
Lighthouse International offers a wide array of low vision services for the clergy. They include:
- Low Vision Services that maximize existing vision and help people who are visually impaired continue to read. In addition, the prescription of optical devices, such as high-powered spectacles and magnifiers enhances the images that can be seen.
- Rehabilitation Services that teach people how to use prescribed devices and adaptive techniques to perform everyday activities (such as cooking, cleaning or managing medications) safely and as independently as possible.
- Counseling and Mental Health Services that provide emotional support to help a person cope with, and adjust to, vision loss.
- Orientation & Mobility Training that help to prevent falls and injuries, reduce hazards in the home; provides techniques to cross streets safely, take public transportation and travel safely.
- Computer Training that help people who are visually impaired navigate the Internet and use e-mail, using enlarged print or speech output.
- Career Services that help people who are visually impaired prepare for, obtain or retain a job.
Lighthouse International's community awareness and vision rehabilitation programs for older adults and members of the clergy and religious leaders are made possible, in part, by the generous support of the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Inc. The Lighthouse is a Medicare and Medicaid provider and accepts many insurance plans.
For more information contact Janet Weinstein - (212) 821-9214 or (914) 683-7555; jweinstein@lighthouse.org
Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss, its causes and what you can do about it, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org.
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