World through the eyes of a person with eye disease

Lighthouse International, the non-profit leader in vision healthcare, research, education and advocacy, launches a new website that features the first customizable, low-vision simulator that shows how a person with an eye disease sees the world.  Visitors can choose a video from YouTube and select a filter that simulates retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.

According to Eleanor Faye, MD, Medical Director, Lighthouse International, "We are offering this low vision experience to help inform, educate and sensitize the public. While no simulation can accurately reflect what a person with an eye disease actually sees, this simulator suggests some of the visual problems that a person with these eye conditions experiences every day."

Mark G. Ackermann, President and CEO of Lighthouse International continues, "The new website reflects our leadership in low vision and helps visitors from New York to New Delhi who are seeking reliable information on eye diseases, vision rehabilitation services and preventing blindness. An estimated 314 million people are visually impaired worldwide and 61 million Americans are at-high risk of serious vision loss."

Other highlights of the new website include:

A New Interactive Lifestyles Feature Called "Let's Go!"

The start of a searchable database of museums, theaters, and sporting venues offering options for people with a visual impairment, such as touch-tours, audio descriptions and reserved seating.  Visitors are asked to add venues and ideas to expand the offerings.

Proven Accessibility Standards

Carefully tested, the website is designed to maximize accessibility for people who are visually impaired.

Help Near You

A special feature that enables visitors to find an optometrist, ophthalmologist and vision rehabilitation service by city or zip code throughout the United States.

Up-To-Date Medical Information On Eye Diseases

Information on the symptoms, causes and treatments for 19 eye diseases -- from macular degeneration to cataracts, dry eye and amblyopia.

Up-To-Date Prevention Information On Vision Loss

Tips on preventing computer eye strain and other vision health suggestions for web users and the general public. 

Spanish Language

Information on key Lighthouse services such as "How to Get Low Vision Services" and "Professional Education" is translated into Spanish. 

Integration of Social Media

Visitors are encouraged to connect, share, and exchange ideas and experiences about vision loss through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and discussion forums.

SOURCE Lighthouse International