It is my pleasure to introduce the spring 2010 issue of Shared Vision, our newsletter created last year to keep you, our friends and donors, up to date on our work in the fight against vision loss.
We have a great deal of news to share with you in this issue, including the acquisition of the National Association for the Visually Handicapped, to better serve the growing number of New Yorkers who are facing the disabling consequences of vision loss.
We’re also featuring our participation in an exciting clinical trial of a revolutionary retinal prosthesis that is restoring sight for people with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a group of inherited diseases that cause blindness. This previously unimaginable scientific advance is helping to usher in a new era of hope for people with RP — and millions more whose vision is lost to retinal diseases of all kinds.
Another exciting development you’ll read about is the launch of our brand new website. It has been redesigned to be more engaging, interactive and helpful to visitors worldwide in search of the latest information about eye diseases and resources for overcoming the challenges of vision loss. If you haven’t seen it already, you’re invited to visit www.lighthouse.org today and join one of the many discussions taking place in our online community.
It is through your generosity that we are able to provide more valuable services online, as well as in person. During the last quarter of 2009 and the beginning of 2010, we served more New Yorkers with low vision than ever before. These include the most vulnerable — the frail elderly, minorities, people with diabetes and the underinsured. Our goal is to ensure that no one in need goes without critical low vision and rehabilitation services that restore safety and independence.
As 2010 continues to unfold — and with your continued support — we look forward to doing even more for people with impaired vision everywhere.
Mark G. Ackermann
President and CEO
