Free Concert, Professional Development Classes Offered By Lighthouse International In Recognition Of World Sight Day
To recognize World Sight Day, Lighthouse International, a leader in low vision health care, is holding a series of professional education classes, presenting a free public concert and conducting public information activities. World Sight Day is an annual global observance that focuses attention on blindness and visual impairment. It is organized by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness as part of the Vision 2020, the Right to Sight Initiative.
According to Dr Tara Cortes, RN, PhD and President and CEO of Lighthouse International. "This year's focus for World Sight Day is on children and that is very appropriate since we serve many children from birth to 18 years old. "Lighthouse International has several programs for children: including the Child Development Center, which educates children, from birth to 5 years old (some of whom are sighted and some of whom are visually impaired) in an integrated environment and enriched setting. Lighthouse also offers special education, and social and career programs to help youngsters 6-13 and teens 14-18 years old; and a Comprehensive Music Program for Young People 7-18 years old.
A highlight of the observance will be the special concert of the Filomen D'Agostino Greenberg Music School. The Catherine Kramer Concert-Influences and Inspirations-will feature original, popular tunes and jazz standards by the acclaimed musician Slau. The performance, which is free and open to the public, will explore styles and musicians who influenced his songwriting.
Slau is a New York City-based singer/songwriter and producer. A multi-instrumentalist, he has performed with various folk ensembles and dance bands. His reputation as a versatile musician led to an early career as a session musician for television scores as well as commercial jingles.
The concert will take place on Friday, October 19, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at Lighthouse International. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a "Meet the Artist" reception and a presentation of the new Music School CD, "A Musical Tapestry". Special price for the CD during the event is $10.
In order to help increase the number of professionals who care for people with vision loss, Lighthouse International is also offering several of its popular professional education classes in October including Low Vision Therapy and Review of Common Eye Disease in Children. On November 1st and 2nd a course on Pediatric Low Vision Care will be taught by Dr Michael Fisher.
To foster awareness of low vision services there will also be a special public education exhibit at the 58th Street Branch of the New York Public Library which will inform visitors about Lighthouse services for children and adults.
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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