There are many misconceptions about vision loss and blindness among the general public. Here are some of them:

All blind people are totally blind.
There is a wide spectrum of sight loss among people who are legally blind, ranging from slight impairment of vision all the way to total  blindness. Only about 10 percent of legally blind people are totally blind. The majority of people who are blind have some degree of vision remaining.

Legal blindness means total blindness.
Legal blindness is a term used by the IRS and other agencies to determine whether a person is eligible for disability benefits or other services. Legal blindness does not necessarily mean total blindness. You are considered legally blind if the central vision in your better eye, with the best correction possible, is no better than 20/200 (20/20 being normal); or if your peripheral vision is no greater than 20 degrees diameter in your better eye.

All blind people can read braille.
Only about 10 percent of people who are blind or visually impaired can read and write braille.

There is no treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
There are two types of AMD-”wet” and “dry.” The wet form can often be successfully treated with laser surgery to prevent further vision loss if caught early. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the dry form. However, most people with AMD will not become totally blind and will retain some peripheral vision.

“I’d be legally blind without my glasses.”
This is incorrect, as an important qualification of legal blindness is the phrase “with best correction.” A person is legally blind only if their vision is so impaired that even while wearing the best glasses that doctors can prescribe, they are not able to read the big “E” on the doctor’s eye chart.

Rehability will be attending the 2008 MS Conference & Expo Saturday November 1^st 2008 at the Valley Forge Convention Center from 9:30 to 4:00. We will feature a selection of our products including: Rocking T Knife, Talking Watch, magnifiers and much more. Stop by our booth # 414 and enter to win a screen enlarger for your Computer or TV!

The World’s Largest Conference For People Living With MS

The 2008 Greater Delaware Valley MS Conference & Expo is designed especially for people with MS and those who love and care for them. All in one place, on one day, you’ll find:

» Innovative workshops about MS symptoms, caregiver issues, current research, wellness and much more

» A comprehensive Expo Center showcasing more than 80 exhibitors, including wellness centers, community resources, assistive technology companies, tax consultants, legal experts, private nursing organizations, rehabilitation facilities, pharmaceutical companies and beyond

» A keynote presentation by leading financial journalist, Fox News Channel’s Neil Cavuto

» The details about Fast Forward, a new drug discovery initiative by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

This event is provided at no cost to attendees. Parking is free, and transportation is provided from select locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Scooters will be provided on site for people with mobility issues on a first-come, first-served basis.

The MS Society has harnessed the power of our community to create a day when no one is alone in their fight against MS. They welcome people with MS, caregivers, health professionals, family and friends to join the movement.  To learn more about MS, please visit the National MS Society website!

Take Charge. Take Action. Make your mark against MS.